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Dick Whittington and His Cat

Published Friday 2 January 2009 at 11:40 by Jane McKell

With director Paul Mills stepping in to replace Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart - not appearing due to personal circumstance - this is a well-designed show, directed with story-telling at its heart. Dick Whittington at Lighthouse is a slick pantomime with good gags and set pieces, songs to suit all the family (albeit backed by irksome midi-backing tracks), beautiful costumes, fine set, and a cast at total ease - the packed audience of all ages joins in with happy verve on request. Although in fine voice with a Take That number, Jack Ryder lacks charisma in the title role. Adele Silva portrays the pampered Alice Fitzwarren with dancing and singing skills, whilst Martyn Read as Captain Cuttle recreates his Birdseye ad-role with panache. James McLean, clad in leather as King ‘Elvis’ Rat, uses smouldering eyes to good effect, causing the kids to boo with delight rather than fear. Christopher Robert’s Dame is the old fashioned arched, cuddly type and Nick Newbould lights up the stage as Idle Jack. However, it is the lovely Alison George as a cute and funny Cockney Fairy Bowbells who steals the show, her memorable song ending a very pretty Act One, with Emma Turner’s choreography sprinkling magic dust throughout.

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