Review: Dick Whittington
December 17, 2007
Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 17th December 2007
The great thing about pantomimes is that they give well known actors the chance to send up their media personas. Here, Pele Productions have cast musical star Darren Day; more well known recently for the column inches devoted to his love life. This likeable and warm performer plays the role of King Rat for all it’s worth; scaring the kids one minute, making them roar with laughter the next. He is is an expert at ad-libbing his way out of trouble and wins the audience over, as a result.
It’s a shame then that the leads; pop star Chesney Hawkes and panto regular, Tara Wells seem under-rehearsed and dare I say it, tired, this early into the run. The result is that this piece zips along whenever these two are off stage. It is not entirely their fault as the scene changes are hardly seamless either, with Fairy Bowbells (played with real charm by Stephanie Dooley) often appearing long after the pyrotechnics have signalled her ‘magical’ arrival.
Joe Standerline’s script does hit the spot though, gaining plenty of laughs but it does tend to be over reliant on smut when things are staid, which may leave some parents feeling a little uncomfortable if the little ones are present.
Five year old Ella Walsh was my co-critic for the night. She enjoyed this panto; laughing out loud at many scenes involving Sarah The Cook, played to the hilt by Jamie Greer. Although she did find the production a bit too long. Added to the slapstick humour is some really clever, subtle wit provided by comedian, John Bishop as a Scouse Jack Sparrow.
Ex Emmerdaler, Frazer Hines is not given too much to do as Alderman Fitzwarren and to be honest, this is a wasted opportunity as he is a game and funny actor. Nick Newbould is very end-of-the-pier as Idle Jack but his act fits the genre like a glove.
The musical sequences let the show down as the song choices highlight vocal weaknesses. Poor Wells has to deliver Leona Lewis’ Bleeding Love, which is a major mistake, leaving the audience smiling, uncomfortably. But for many of the show’s faults, it recovers via a jolly second half and the sheer commitment of the many scene stealers including an on form Day who at times is dazzling.
With half price seats for kids, this Dick Whittington is a bargain and a great way of getting them off the computers and into the theatre. There is so much audience participation- they will love it and the constant supply of gags will keep you happy too.
-Glenn Meads
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