Paul Merton out-dames the dames!
“How lovely to have such a warm hand on my entrance!”
Sarah the Cook
Crossroads Pantomimes produce many of the UK’s pantomimes each year and at Richmond Theatre this year, we have Dick Whittington starring the delightful Paul Merton. Some of the script was written by Paul Merton, as well as Alan McHugh, and Merton’s spontaneous off the wall humour shines through.
The real Richard Whittington (Jack Danson) was a 14th century merchant from Gloucestershire who, despite being a younger son, became Mayor of London in Richard II’s reign and whose bequests in his will, still fund charitable causes today. And yes, he did marry Alice Fitzwarren (Erin Sophie Halliday).
There is good choreography for the group numbers and strong singing. There is no person credited for the design because Crossroads Pantomimes design all the sets and costumes for their 24 shows inhouse but the sets are excellent and the costumes fresh and colourful.
Merton’s six dresses are a highlight, one designed for the sea voyage based on maps and signposts. Sarah’s black shiny wig with hair styled ear phones stays on although I could just see the chinstraps from our wonderful seats in Row D.
It is Paul Merton who is the real star here as his quick quips and double-entendres are delivered perfectly. If anything should go wrong his effervescent wit will make the best of it with his years of improvisation experience. He sparkles alongside his co star Suki Webster as Suki the Sweet Maker, who is also his real life wife.
There is plenty to engage the children and also the saucy jokes you might have to explain to them, without going so completely over the decency bar into sheer filth. A member of the audience will be flirted with and in Richmond we can rely on an ULEZ joke.
I loved the extended song on the boat based on the The Twelve Days of Christmas with original items to recall on each day, a good memory test for the children and grandmas!
The villain is Queen Rat (Vivien Parry) who aims to take over London with her rat costume dripping in jewels and her menacingly wieldng a large rat like tale. The Fairy Godmother is the Spirit of Bow Bells (Wendy Mae Brown) clad in silver sparkles and complete with crown and wand – a force for good.
Our hero is Dick Whittington (Jack Danson) with Eileen his cat (Charlie Smart). Alice Fitzwarren (Erin Sophie Halliday) has a super voice and as she is only in her second year at Laine Arts, this her professional debut. Erin must have a strong musical career ahead of her because of her beautiful voice.
Paul Merton is my absolute favourite pantomime Dame and this is a super production to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Production Notes
Dick Whittington
Written by Alan McHugh,
with additional material by Paul Merton
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle
Cast
Starring:
Paul Merton
Suki Webster
Wendy Mae Brown
Vivien Parry
Jack Danson
Charlie Smart
Erin Sophie Halliday
With:
Harley Charles
Ryan Lee
Callum O’Brien
Darcy Owen
Daisy Southall
Creatives
Director: Jonathan O’ Boyle
Choreographer: Jonathan Mawson
Set Designer: Crossroads
Musical Supervisor: Gary Hind
Musical Director: Pierce Tee
Lighting Designer: Simon Wilkinson
Costume Designer: Crossroads
Sound Designer: Ollie Durrant
Fight Director: Philip d’Orléans
Information
Running Time: One hour 50 minutes including an interval
Booking until 7th January 2023
Theatre:
Richmond Theatre
1 Little Green
Richmond
TW9 1QH
Tube/Rail : Richmond
Website: atgtickets.com
Reviewed by Lizzie Loveridge
at Richmond Theatre
on 12th December 2023