Dick Whittington and his Cat

Published Monday 23 November 2009 at 10:15 by Peta David

This is the perfect antidote to a wet and windy night - a more bright and appealing production would be difficult to find. It is always refreshing to have original music provided by composer and musical director Thomas Johnson, to accompany the actors, and I can’t stress enough how great it is not to be inflicted with the same tired old gags that seem to be the panto staple of years gone by.

Jessica Ellerby (Alice) & Jason Langley (Dick) in Dick Whittington at Chipping Norton Theatre Photo: Paul J Need

This is a thoroughly contemporary production that has creativity at its core, no one character outshines another - they all work closely together, bringing fun and merriment to all.

Jason Langley as Dick is tall and handsome next to the diminutive Jessica Ellerby, who is likeable and charming as Alice Fitzwarren and both have good strong voices. Sarah the Cook, played by Ian Blower, looked a little out of his depth in the dancing sequences, but kept the banter going with Paul Lacoux, who plays Alderman Fitzwarren.

Tommy the Cat was an immediate hit, played with great expression by Emma Carroll. Director John Terry uses the limited space of this little theatre to great effect - during an underwater scene children in the audience are given giant jelly fish on poles to wave about. What more could you want?