This review marks the fifth anniversary of the arrival of Review Culture on the arts scene in Lincolnshire and it was a pleasure to visit Louth's Riverhead Theatre to watch the dress rehearsal of their latest pantomime, Dick Whittington by Philip Marshall Junior. It is always a joy watching the Louth Playgoers welcome the New Year by opening their panto,much to the delight of audiences every year. This year the pantomime has been ably directed by Richard Precious, a previous incumbent of the Playgoers' Dame's frock and wig. Precious is a man who understands panto and knows precisely how hard it can be performing a lengthy run of shows and keeping the energy up for every show, but he has brought that notion to bear with the cast of 2025, and they did not disappoint bringing energy, humour and vigour to their performance. Every person gave their best for this, the first dress rehearsal and despite playing to an almost empty house during the rehearsal, did so with a smile on their face and a twinkle in their eye.
The story of Richard Whittington has long been a staple of pantomimes in the UK , whereby young Dick sets off to seek his fortune accompanied by his faithful rat-catching cat before he eventually goes on to become Lord Mayor of London. Here, in a new spin on the tale, Dick, his rather daft brother Dom and Tammy the Cat, all venture forth to earn Dick's fortune by sailing to Africa and wooing the daughter of a Sultan. Along the way, we get thigh-slapping, romance, singing, dancing and some of THE most awful Dad jokes you could hope for in a panto. All in all, it produces a show that audiences will embrace and love. They will hiss and boo, they will holler and cheer and yes, they will be encouraged to sing along to well-known standards. But above all else, they will experience a panto to remember and have fun along the way.
Playing the role of Fairy Bow Belle, is Laura Harris whose sunny disposition and excellent singing voice make her a great choice for a panto fairy. It is she who guides Dick along the way and manages to help him get out of the odd scrape or two by employing magic with the wave of her wand.
As Dick, the delightful Emma Wighton returns to the Riverhead, where she last appeared as the girl in Tell Me on a Sunday, which coincidentally also starred this year's panto's musical director Nicola Law. Wighton is a fabulous performer whose superb singing voice will win fans who have never seen her perform before and she gives a spirited performance as the do or die adventurer besotted with the daughter of the Sultan, accompanied by his best friend Tammy the Cat and his somewhat intellectually challenged brother Dom. Yes, the adults will snigger at the "Dick" jokes which is only to be expected (though hopefully less knowingly by and children present) but Wighton rises above these and gives a winning performance full of wit and charm.
Dicks best friend is Tammy the Cat, played at this performance by Halle O'Hare who must have had one of the most difficult tasks in learning her lines (if you know, you know). She too gives a spirited performance chasing down mice, rats and bad guys galore. It is great to see Halle returning to another show here and I have no doubt that she will continue to be cast in bigger and bigger roles over the next few years.
Dom Whittington, the somewhat Simple Simon necessary in every panto, is played brilliantly by Ellie Johnson who is not afraid of sending herself up when the part requires it. Last year she had a very different role as the Magic Mirror in the panto, but this year really allows Johnson to show off her comedic skills and her overall physical performance is excellent. Boys, girls and grown ups will find it very easy to side with Dom during the show.
The panto villains are a duo named Snicker and Guffaw, the comedic pairing are played by Georgia Pearson and the play's author, Philip Marshall Junior. Their physical differences in height are used to good advantage and they will provide the audience with a target for for their contempt and ridicule. They are wonderfully dim and gullible, but there is a softer side to them that will also allow audiences to forgive them, especially when they duet together. Both are very strong performers who understand what they need to bring to the panto party and do not let us down.
The TRUE villain of the piece is Queen Rat, played with delicious malevolence by Louise Ray. The Queen Rat is a self-seeking chancer looking to make a fortune with as little effort and sacrifice on her part as possible, relying on henchmen and subterfuge to achieve her goals, but this being panto the Rat receives her just rewards ultimately.
This year Jamie Smith returns to a role he was born to inhabit, that of the Dame. Dame Helga Hootenanny is a big. brash, blowsy woman of questionable morals and intelligence and although the dame has a reduced role in this show, Smith masterfully milks every ounce of comedy from his appearance on stage as he models some truly ghastly frocks and wigs. Hootenanny is a woman seemingly obsessed with this reviewer during the dress rehearsal, though I suspect that her fickle nature will see her pick another unsuspecting victim at every show. Watch out... it could be you! She will have audiences rolling with laughter as she does.
The last of the principal performers are the Sultan and his daughter. Jed Spittle plays Sultan Pepper, an imperious and wealthy ruler who is firm but fair. He doles out justice when necessary and admits his mistakes when he is proved wrong. Spittle gives an affable performance and looks fabulous in his head dress as he sings and dances, cracks jokes and sees the real value of truth in the actions of Dick. So much so that he grants him the hand of his daughter, Alice.
Alice Pepper is played by Sophie Browne, who I last saw in Oliver at this theatre. Here she is given the chance to shine as Dick's love interest. She has a terrific singing voice and manages to woo both Dick and the audience with her solo song. Theirs is a match made in panto heaven and we are lucky enough to share in the couple's nuptials as the panto reaches a crescendo.
The pantomime would be far less effective without the support of a wonderful ensemble and dedicated chorus who take on minor roles as and where necessary and help to keep the action flowing, they also provide energy and colour in chorus numbers choreographed by Alice Murray - there are also two casts to allow young actors to experience the thrill of performing as Team Snicker and Team Guffaw. Finally, as always Louth's beautiful Studio 2000 dancers appear bring grace and glamour to the production choreographed by Chloe and Nicola Goldby, they continue to provide such wonderfully charming routines and each and every dancer's smile lights up the room - oh and watch out for the police routine, I loved it!
Nobody will be disappointed by this show and it is absolutely what is necessary to drive away and January Blues after the excesses of Christmas as miserable January weather plays havoc across the UK. I recommend this warming and highly amusing panto as the prescription that this doctor orders for you all. The panto runs from the 10th to the 19th January with matinee and evening performances though tickets have already sold well, so do not risk missing out, contact the box office as soon as possible.
Andy Evans - Review Culture 7 January 2025
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