Dick Whittington
Credit: Mike Kwasniak
Review by Martine Silkstone
With so many great pantomimes on offer across Suffolk, the New Wolsey in Ipswich sets itself apart each year by offering something a little bit different, and this production of Dick Whittington is no exception.
For this is not just a panto, this is a rock 'n' roll panto - full of great, upbeat songs performed by a fabulous group of players.
Don't worry, you still get the classics - a saucy dame, baddies to boo and a blossoming romance - but here the cast is also jumping between a variety of instruments while singing, acting and changing costume - phew! To say they are talented seems rather an understatement.
Luke Thornton is all boyish charm as our hero, Dick, setting off from his hometown of Ipswich to find fame and fortune in London - cue a rousing rendition of The Proclaimers hit, though he's now only walking '70' miles.
Having reached the city and made a new friend in The Cat - a wonderfully feline performance by Myles Miller - he finds himself at a rat-infested bakery (as you do) where he offers to help sweet baker, Alice (Elizabeth Rowe), save her ingredients from the rascally rodents and guard the shop overnight.
Credit: Mike Kwasniak
As you might expect, things don't go quite to plan for Dick and after some dastardly tricks and comic hi-jinks, they are all lured to an island by the evil King Rat (the entertaining Steve Simmonds). Before long, you are enjoying a pirate, a giant seagull, a cat, and a dame wearing a sandcastle-bucket dress while playing guitar, all singing a version of Parklife by Blur. Brilliant! Only in the UK does this seem like perfectly normal festive fun.
Credit: Mike Kwasniak
Great work by Max Kinder as this year's dame, Sarah, who kicked off with a barrage of baking jokes and some cheeky audience interaction, all while sporting an egg whisk bra. They also initiated the first corpsing of the show which is always a joyous thing.
I wouldn't say that Dick Whittington is my favourite story but let's be honest, panto is not about the narrative but more about having fun and frolics along the way, and they have got that nailed here with a wealth of rocking tunes and more 'Dick' jokes than you can shake a bag-on-a-stick at. Throw in some pyrotechnics and a giant water pistol and you have the recipe for a thoroughly entertaining night out.
The story ends and good triumphs over evil, just as it should. They all live happily ever after with a bin as Mayor of London and a few musical favourites to close the show. Cat’s Life, that’s what all the people say…
FOR FULL SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE