Stratford East presents its Christmas Pantomime, Dick Whittington. This is a story where Dick (Sèverine Howell-Meri) goes on his quest to London – from Romford – in search of his dreams. Dick is a very chirpy lad, who is accompanied by Nathaniel (Harry Jardine), a cat that wants to be a dog. There is an ice-cream parlour and castles. If that is confusing, well there is also King Rat (Tom Giles)… but I mustn’t say much more as I’ll give the story away. Shhhh.
As usual, Stratford East has gone all out to produce a great production, that really does reflect the culturally and socially diverse local community.
This production is special in itself and is made that bit more special to the local community by the references to East London areas – Leytonstone, Wanstead, Waltham Forest, Stratford are a few that come to mind.
A pantomime has to be full of fun and slapstick comedy, and this one is no exception. The kids in the auditorium were entertained, in fact my little boy sat next to me, was sent into a frenzy of laughter when he heard the line ‘poo poo in the street’ and that wasn’t the only time. Obviously, some jokes that were targeted for the older audience flew straight over his head and the adults were in giggles instead.
The other time my little boy and the audience were taken aback, was when Nathaniel started rapping. A cat rapping with such sophistication was absolutely amazing to watch. The energy that the rapping generated bounced off the walls in the auditorium. What fun and energy!
That’s not all, this is a pantomime after all. Oh yes it is! There is audience engagement with the usual shout-outs and even inviting an audience member onto the stage. This is a great pantomime that I would happily watch again.
Review by Shaidi Ramsurrun
Join our hero Dick Whittington on his thrilling quest to find adventure, fame and fortune in the glittering streets of London. Will he be able to defeat villainous rodent King Rat and save the city?
Cast and Creative
CAST
Tom Giles as King Rat
Sèverine Howell-Meri as Dick Whittington
Harry Jardine as Nathaniel
Vedi Roy as Lady Lush
Bree Smith as Grandma
Lizzie Winkler as the Mayor
Francesca Zoutewelle as Alice
CREATIVE TEAM
Book and Lyrics – David Watson
Music and Lyrics – Robert Hyman
Director – John Haidar
Designer – Lily Arnold
Choreographer – Anna Morrissey
Lighting Designer – Jess Bernberg
Sound Designer – Giles Thomas
Musical Director – James Doughty
Magic Consultant – John Bulleid
Fight Director – Bret Yount
Assistant Director – Sita Thomas
Casting Director – Jacob Sparrow
DICK WHITTINGTON
SAT 23 NOV 2019 – SAT 11 JAN 2020
https://www.stratfordeast.com/
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