Dick Whittington

Nigel Havers stars as the dastardly King Rat in the annual Wyvern Theatre panto - 06 DEC - 04 JAN

Havers stars alongside newcomer Lucy Kane (daughter of Linda Lusardi) and pantomime favourite David Ashley, who has performed in the Wyvern Theatre’s festive productions for the last three years.

 

This dazzling production will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, stunning sets and fabulous costumes – plus, as you have come to expect from the Wyvern Theatre’s annual pantomime, plenty of audience participation.

 

Review of Dick Whittington

by Kelly Jobanputra

 

Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre was full of laughter last night as the classic tale of Dick Whittington delighted a packed audience of all ages.

 

With constant references to Swindon throughout the show, the talented cast delivered joke after joke in what felt like one of the best pantomimes at our local theatre in a long time.

 

The cast, which included Nigel Havers as King Rat and Lucy Kane as Alice Fitzwarren, were all so slick in their performance and there wasn’t one slip up all night.

 

Their vocals were music to everyone’s ears and they all harmonised with each other perfectly.

 

As the show started, the audience first met the likeable cockney character of Fairy Bowbells. Played by Suzie Chard, she came to the stage sat on a moon high in the sky. There were audible gasps from little ones as they saw magic unfold before their eyes.

 

 

Everyone then soon met two hilarious characters called Sarah The Cook (played by David Ashley) and Simple Simon (played by Lewis Barnshaw). These two performers made a fantastic duo throughout the whole night and had great rapport with each other.

 

There was constant interaction with the audience all evening as the cast sometimes took to the aisles, including a group of pesky water spraying rats.

 

The sets were beautifully detailed and added to the magical feeling of the performance, especially the Sultana’s Palace with its vibrant colour scheme.

 

The part of Dick Whittington, performed by Kristian Morse, was chosen very well. His acting and singing skills were unfaultable.

 

One character to watch out for is the part of Tommy Jones the Cat, played by Barnaby Hughes. He was definitely put in the show for the ladies and got quite a reaction every time he spoke to them.

 

The punchlines, the laughs, the engagement - this pantomime, put simply, had it all.

 

 

SWTV: Dick Whittington Panto Launch
with Nigel Havers