Dick Whittington and His Cat (Cambridge, Arts Theatre)

Traditionalists will find plenty to enjoy in this year’s Dick Whittington and His Cat at the Arts Theatre. So too will those who like variations on familiar themes. It’s been written by Brad Fitt (who also plays Sarah the Cook) and  Stewart Permutt; Dave Murphy directs with Fitt. No individual designer is credited except for lighting and sound (Mike Robertson and Ian Horrocks-Taylor respectively) though the sets (from Hiss and Boo) are attractively story-book and the costumes (from Carry On) – predominantly red, white and blue – are excellent.

Fairy Bowbells (Lisa Millar) is a be-spectacled no-nonsense sort of spirit; it is she who matches Dick (Julie Buckfield) with Tommy the cat (Kaine Horey). Buckfield is very much in the mould of old-time principal boys, well-mannered in all circumstances. It’s no wonder that Horey’s gorgeously athletic silver tabby spins circles around our hero, not to mention any rat foolish enough to come within claw reach. And Amy Castledine as Alice Fitzwarren is another interesting characterisation, a merchant’s daughter more than happy to get her hands dirty in the practical aspects of her City & Guilds plumbing course.

Villains tend to steal the show from the lead comics and James Hirst as King Rat takes every opportunity to snarl and swirl. The children’s chorus make suitably squeaky ratlings and take part in the song and dance numbers with great style. The script is packed with references to bankers’ bonuses (no wonder that King Rat wants to be in control of the City!) and MPs’ expenses but there’s enough visual fun and punning jokes to keep children in the audience happy. The ship’s galley, listing badly as Sarah and Idle Jack (Matt Crosby) attempt to prepare supper, is a particular audience favourite – even if it’s hard on the actors. This device is apparently called a slosh truck. Most apposite.

Other good touches are provided in the interplay between the different personalities. Tommy displays some lithe feline characteristics as well as juggling and impersonating a dog on board ship. Alderman Fitzwarren (John Pennington) isn’t just a dear old duffer, Jack has moments when he’s definitely not idle and Sarah keeps the whole froth well whipped. The adult dancers do well by Scott Ritchie’s choreography and the songs, including a Gilbert & Sullivan duet, move the action along as well as providing breathing space. A four-piece band is something of a luxury these days; Barney Ashworth is the musical director.