A couple of years ago, when I entered my seventh decade (oh yes I did), I thought I had perhaps reached an age where I should stop going to the pantomime. In view of the quality of the offerings at The Playhouse over the last few years, I realise that that would have been folly. I am pleased that I let my heart overrule my head, as the pantos I have seen in the interim have been so entertaining and enjoyable that I relish the prospect of watching them for a further seven decades (oh yes I do). With six decades behind me, I realise that this form of entertainment is suitable for everyone, whatever their age. Barry from EastEnders sings Meat Loaf The 2006/07 offering, Dick Whittington, stands comparison with any others that I have seen, not just in recent years, but throughout my lifetime.
 | | Captain Cockle and Sarah The Cook |
One outstanding aspect that rarely gets a mention is the costumes, which were colourful and exceptional. Eve Wilkinson, the costume designer, deserves great praise for this. Perhaps the best-known member of the cast was Shaun Williamson (Barry from EastEnders) who starred as King Rat. He played the good and bad extremes of the character superbly, whilst his rendition of the Meat Loaf classic, Bat Out of Hell, was unforgettable. For me, another musical highlight came when most of the cast sang World in Union - the anthem of the 2003 Rugby World Cup which England won! On current form, it doesn't look as if history will repeat itself in 2007. Mr Whippy on the toilet Everyone will be familiar with the rags-to-riches tale of Dick Whittington. This production had, for me, a somewhat different plot, with great similarity to the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The acrobatics of Tommy the Cat, a wonderful Stephen Emery, were quite awesome.
 | | Tommy The Cat |
The multifaceted talents of Jez Edwards as Idle Jack stole the show for me, though. Post-show, I even forgave him for being a Manchester United supporter. The distaff members of the cast were notable for their great beauty. They were led by Anna Kumble in the lead role of Alice Fitzwarren, but blonde and beautiful Carys Gray, as Fairy Bow Bells, also caught the eye, as did the dancers: Sophie Robinson, Natalie Stafford and Jodie Tappenden. As always, when children are on stage they steal the show and the youngsters of the Tina Counsell School of Dance were no exception to this rule. The creativity of the Star Puppets was quite superb. As is customary in pantomime, most of the jokes were pretty corny, but their standard was significantly cranked up in this show. I am still chuckling at the visual image of Mr Whippy on the toilet. Attendance records are being broken by this presentation of Dick Whittington, with full houses the order of the day for most performances. The show continues until 14 January 2007, so it's not too late to snap up one of the few remaining seats. You're never too old. Oh no you're not.
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