Review: Dick Whittington, New Wolsey


CiCi-Howells-as-Taffeta-the-Cat-and-AJ-Dean-As-Dick-Whittington.-Photo-Mike-KwasniakClassic rock n roll hits coupled with a Dame, ‘with considerably big buns’, can only mean one thing…Yes, it’s Wolsey panto Time!

This year the theatre add their rock n roll panto magic to the classic tale of Dick Whittington. London is looking for a new Mayor, and it’s looking like the evil King Rat will fill the position. However, a stranger is in town with his faithful companion, his cat. Will Dick and Taffeta the Cat manage to defeat King Rat, and will the path of true love run smooth?

As has come to be expected from the New Wolsey, this rock n roll pantomime is full of fun and frolics right from the start. Fairy Bowbells (Shirley Darroch) arrives in a puff of smoke in a red telephone box, well if Dr Who can have a Tardis!

There are very strong performances from all the talented actor-musician cast, with some amazing musical numbers, including an extremely memorable rendition of a classic Meat Loaf track by Dan de Cruz as King Rat.

The chemistry between AJ Dean as Dick and Nicola Hawkins as Alice works really well. And Tim Bonsers portrayal of Billy Bungalow, aptly named as ‘there’s nothing up stairs’, is just hilarious.

A special mention must go to audience member Steve, who was a really good sport and threw himself into his impromptu performance with Dame Sarah the Cook (Sean Kingsley).

There are always a few surprises along the way, and there’s not many Christmas shows where you get a performance of a Sex Pistols track, but the whole show works brilliantly and is probably the best rock n roll panto that the Wolsey has staged to date.

Tickets are selling fast, so book you tickets now and enjoy a fabulous evening out at this show, which is full of fast paced action and plenty of festive fun.

Dick Whittington will be at the New Wolsey Theatre until Sunday 25th January. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 295900 or visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

— Wendy Cook, Ipswich24 —
Pictures Mike Kwasniak

L-R-Jofre-Alsina,-Sean-Kingsley,-Tim-Bonser.-Photo-Mike-Kwasniak