Dick Whittington

I’m not sure that outdoor pantomime is a tradition anywhere in the world, but it probably should be - as GRADS’ Christmas Pantomime, Dick Whittington, sits very well in UWA’s open topped New Fortune Theatre, and is a great way to enjoy a summer’s evening. This pantomime, written by Stephen Quinn, and directed by Stephen Lee (who happen to be the same person) is very much of the British tradition, but adjusts to the warm weather and includes some great local references.

Eilish Webb makes an excellent principal boy, with lovely swagger and a gorgeous voice in the title role, beautifully supported by Kerri Hilton making a very welcome return to the stage and charming the audience as the sweet but sarcastic Tommy the Cat. 

Every panto needs a great baddie - and on closing night King Rat was played with voracious villainy by the show’s Musical Director Seanne Sparrow, filling in for an ill Daniele M. Andreone. Also taking to the stage at short notice was Connie Wetherilt, not in the original cast, but filling in with excellence in the principal girl role of Alice Fitzwarren for an unwell Georgia Wilson.

Highlights included Grant Malcolm’s very funny Sara the Cook - a very loveable Dame, especially his scenes with real-life son Felix Malcolm - as Idle Jack - which were great fun. It was something of a family affair for the Malcolms, with Sharon Malcolm performing an impressive solo, and Eliza Malcolm lovely in the ensemble.

Susan Lynch was delightful as cockney voiced Fairy of the Bells, while there were a plethora of over-the-top fun characters including David Sparrow’s Blackbeard, Eddie Stowers’ Big Chief Running Water and well executed appearances from director Stephen Lee, Dean Schultz, Peter Nettleton, Judd Miller and Michelle Buttery.

It is always great to have young people in pantomime and Dick Whittington featured them in spades. The Dick Whittington Dancers, Olivia Elwick, Imogen Softley and Ariana Brazil, were a very talented trio, and the troupe of Ratlings played with aplomb by eight St Norbert College students brought joy with every appearance - very likeable villains. In addition, each performance featured a troupe of guest artists playing “the Children of London” performing for the mayor. I had the pleasure of seeing Darlington Theatre Players’ youth group, MYTH, perform a highly physicalised incarnation of The Ugly Duckling - which was a lovely and beautifully presented interlude.

An enjoyable production that kept its audience involved throughout, in a warm family atmosphere.

Kimberley Shaw