Theatre News

Everyman rock ‘n’ rolls again at Christmas

The Christmas production at Liverpool’s Everyman this year is Dick Whittington, which is being presented in the theatre’s annual rock ‘n’ roll panto tradition.

Written by Sarah Nixon and Mark Chatterton, together with musical director Tayo Akinbode, Dick Whittington – Now That’s What I Call Meowsic! is an alternative version of the timeless pantomime, featuring a cast singing and playing music by the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, The Beatles, Tom Jones, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé.

Familiar faces and newcomers join this year’s cast including Francis Tucker, back for his seventh Everyman panto as Dottie Dolittle, as is Nicky Swift as the sparkling fairy.

Everyman and Playhouse veteran Adam Keast is expected to provide plenty of laughs in tandem with Tucker as he portrays the Fitzwarren brothers, while Sarah Vezmar high-kicks her way onto stage as Purdy.

Joseph Attenborough, whose credits include The History Boys at the National Theatre, debuts at the Everyman as the handsome hero Dick. Playing his nemesis, King Rat, is Matthew Quinn who returns having appeared in Mother Goose last year.

Chatterton also takes up directing duties, while the set design is being created by Dinah England.

Dick Whittington – Now That’s What I Call Meowsic! opens at the Everyman on Saturday 28 November and runs until Saturday 23 January 2010.