First pictures as Dick Whittington’s journey from rehearsal room to the bright lights of the Corn Exchange stage gets under way!

trish.lee@newburynews.co.uk

Published: 14:39, 12 November 2024

Dick Whittington’s journey from the rehearsal room to the bright lights of the Corn Exchange stage is now under way!

First read through of Dick Whittington for Newbury Corn Exchange Panto

The cast are in town ready to bring this year’s Corn Exchange panto to life - starting with the read-through - and we were there for a sneak peek - take a look at the pictures by our photographer Phil Cannings.

We can look forward laughter, adventure, wonderful surprises and all the classic magic from creators Plested Brown and Wilsher – Amanda Wilsher, Clare Plested and Adam Brown (The Hobbit, Warner Brothers; Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tale No Tales, Disney) – who were once Newbury’s resident theatre company. Clare is an acclaimed actor, writer and comedian, shortlisted for the Funny Women Comedy Writing Awards in 2022.

Adam, who is a Newbury local, growing up in Hungerford, is best known for playing Ori in The Hobbit and recently appeared alongside Sir Ian McKellen in Mother Goose at Theatre Royal, Brighton.

First read through of Dick Whittington for Newbury Corn Exchange Panto Clare Plested, Amanda Wilsher and Adam Brown

Amanda Wilsher is a firm favourite for Newbury, as she has previously directed Jack and the Beanstalk in 2022 and Beauty and the Beast last year.

The trio told @newburytoday: “We’re so excited for the people of Newburyshire to meet our fantastic panto cast this year!”

The star-studded cast features Harry Potter film star Chris Rankin, best known for playing Percy in the Wizarding World franchise.

First read through of Dick Whittington for Newbury Corn Exchange Panto - Chris Rankin

“Returning to our stage is Newbury favourite Jade Johnson as Cosmo the Cat! Back flipping his way into our hearts is the flipping wonderful Kai Harris as Dick Whittington. You’ll scream with laughter at Dick’s mum, our super Dame, Scott Riney.

“Sensational singer Shannon Bourne will blow you away as the talented musician-wannabe Alice. You may recognise her very silly father Alderman Fitzwarren from some Harry Potter movies…

“Keeping us in order is the hilarious Grace Kelly Miller as Detective Fairy Bowbells. She’ll have her work cut out against the dastardly Percy Rat played villainously by the superb Alex Crandon.

“And there are no words to describe how brilliant our ensemble are – Finna Hardy, Jake Poolman and Adam Craig. We’re so lucky to have nabbed such incredible talent!”