Theatre Royal, Nottingham (studio)
11 December 2023 (released)
12 December 2023
A giant rat, a flying red London Transport bus and a star studded cast can only mean one thing…pantomime has arrived back in town.
This year’s production at the Nottingham Theatre Royal stars former Eastenders TV star Shane Richie alongside television favourite Dr Ranj supported by a strong cast.
Richie’s experience of performing in front of a live audience for over thrifty years held him in good stead. His natural rapport with the audience was infectious from inviting them to indulge in a photo opportunity to asking youngsters up on to the stage with him - it all felt like watching your daft uncle up there on stage as he excelled playing Dick Whittington.
Dr Ranj added a camp, yet likeable charm to the proceedings in his role as The Spirit of Bow Bells whilst Anne Smith brought a devilish and dangerous diversion to the Panto as Queen Rat.
Emily Beth Harrington was charming as Alice Fitzwarren with her mother Sarah the cook played exceptionally well by Iain Stuart Robertson. His costumes were naturally over the top although some of his jokes might be older than some of the mums and dads present at the show!
If you never thought that a cat could somersault, your opinion might differ after seeing Kenan-Lewis Smith playing Kitty Kat - a moggie that is smart, athletic and a good rat catcher!
Despite all the special effects, of which there are many, it was the tried and trusted slapstick scenes that will have audiences young and old alike laughing along such as the Twelve Days of Christmas routine that is cleverly adapted into the ship wreck scene reworked as the Twelve Days of Shipwrecked!
Preferring to include older songs from musicals such as Flash Bang Wallop from Half a Sixpence and old chart hits like Little Jimmy Brown from the late fifties in favour of more up to date songs seemed like a lost opportunity until the night was saved with an adaptation of Dua Lipa’s Dance The Night at the very end of the pantomime, utilising a song younger members of the audience could relate to.
No scene appeared to last too long in this fast paced and enjoyable pantomime that is paved with gold and full of sparkle, fun and joy. Will you enjoy it? Oh yes, you will!
Dick Whittington- Theatre Royal Nottingham.
Runs until Sunday 14th January 2024
