Dick Whittington

Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street, Bolton, BL1 4TG

Evenings : 30th November to 15th December 2018 at 7.00pm

Matinees : 1st/2nd, 8/9th, 15/16th December at 2.00pm

Director Paul Cohen scores again with this traditional pantomime full of fun for all the family. With just the right amount of corny routines, smattering of adult jokes, slapstick for the kids and catchy songs, it has all the ingredients necessary to keep everyone entertained.

Kimberley Riley-Shipperbottom makes a perfect Dick Whittington, combining a heroic principal boy with a lovely singing voice. She is complimented by the charming Beth Allcock as Alice, and their duet is beautiful to hear.

Ryan Smart-Stanton is hilarious as Dame Dotty Dumpling, his easy style and Les Dawson bosom push-ups winning the appreciative audience over from the start, and he has a great foil in Adam Manning as Idle Jack. Between them they have some of the best comic exchanges in the show.

David Smart is simply excellent as the villainous King Rat, sparring with audience and relishing their derision, whilst Jo Burton presents a refreshingly alternative good fairy as Fairy Bowbells ­—also leading the “Lambeth Walk” number with aplomb.

Guy Tudgay and Matt Seber have a good sprinkling of comic routines as Captain Cuttlefish and Scupper, combining physical comedy with great comic timing, and Keith Brian suitably switches back and forth from authority figure to fellow idiot with ease.

Jessica -Rose Curtis-Walker is “purrfect” as Tom the cat, lithely cartwheeling onto the stage, and Jason Taylor gives a confident performance as the Sultan.

The chorus perform Paul Cohen’s choreography faultlessly, adding immensely to the success of the large musical numbers. Set design, including a very effective storm scene, light, sound, props and wardrobe are all spot on.

Well worth a visit if you can get down to see it.

Peter Haslam