With so many shows being cancelled due to Covid-19 it was a delight to watch Panto season begin at Norwich’s Theatre Royal, with their production of Dick Whittington and his Cat.
Theatre favourite Richard Gauntlett (writer, director and performer!) returns for his 21st panto in Norwich, providing yet another year of outrageous costumes and witty one-liners. Paired with Joe Pollard, who plays Idle Jack, these two create a brilliant comedy duo. Joe’s characteristics sometimes resemble that of Michael Crawford’s character Frank Spencer, but perhaps this was intentional, especially within a scene giving Are You Being Served feels?
Jarnéia Richard-Noel (Catherine of Aragon in Six) played Alice Fitzwarren perfectly – enough fairytale princess mixed with independent girl power and of course her vocals were strong too. Opposite her was CBeebies presenter Gyasi Sheppy as Dick Whittington whose confidence grew throughout and I think we will see again.
Read more – Review: Matilda
Other cast members included TV personalitieis Siân Reeves (Sydney in Cutting It and Sally Spode in Emmerdale) as Queen Rodentia and Graham Cole (The Bill’s PC Stamp). I also enjoyed Shakeel Kimotho‘s performance as Beau Bells.
YouTuber Joe Tracini owned the stage throughout as Tommy the Cat – his energy and charisma oozes out and his solo ukulele performance was beautiful and possibly my favourite, along with the opening number of act two.
For me, the show was a little slow to begin with and lacked the usual shenanigans you’d expect from panto, but the second act saved the day (much like our panto hero!) and laughs, fun and audience participation.
Pop songs, pirates and panto mayhem – Dick Whittington is good, festive fun for everyone. Although personally it just isn’t the story for me – I’m definitely a princess and fairytale girl!
Norwich Theatre Royal’s pantomime has performances until 9th January 2022 so book your tickets here.
Theatre thoughts... 