Dick Whittington and His Cat, directed by Susan Wilson, Circa Theatre, reviewed by Lynn Freeman

ROGER Hall, panto, Circa. A winning end of year combination for the past few years and with big houses. It is again.
Dick Whittington is a much less known story than the usual Panto fare – Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk etc. My co-critic, 11 year old Rose, didn’t know the Whittington story at all and I was blowed if I could remember it myself. Prior knowledge is not necessary in panto, everything’s explained to you, in fact in a song right at the start we’re all reassured there will be a happy ending.
There are lots of topical references and a bit of smut to keep the adults entertained. The show would be more fun with trimming.
Stephen Gledhill does a fine job in the Dame’s mad wig and plentiful innuendos. The love interest, Alice is played by Jessica Robinson who sings like an angel. Paul Harrop was a sturdy and credible Dick, the naïve young farmer who walks from Taranaki to Wellington to seek his fortune but is ripped off and falsely accused of theft. Nick Blake is something of a genius at scary roles and his King Rat portrayal is right up there.
Susan Wilson has been at the helm of all Hall’s pantos and it’s a good match. The songs were memorably arranged by Michael Nicholas Williams.