Seaford Musical Theatre
Dick Whittington
There were several moments during Seaford Musical Theatre’s production of Dick Whittington that made me think I had strayed into The View for the adult humour of Comedy Night. But no, there I was, tittering at The Barn during a pantomime billed as suitable for all ages. But was it? For Alan Frayn’s script had several entendres that were single rather than double, and I did wonder how the mums and dads would cope with junior’s ‘What did Dame Dolly Dumpling mean when she said …?’ As said dame, named after her DDD cup size, geddit? John Tester milked his lines richly, and I enjoyed his ad-libbing ‘Where was I’s?’ to the prompt whose voice was heard several times on the first night. Tester and Donna Bull as the heavily Scottishaccented and vigorous captain’s mate, Scupper, held the show together, providing continuity in a tale that was thinly presented in what amounted to a series of sketches done revue-style with a running story. However, the talented cast rose to the occasion with some very strong performances, particularly from Kate Long as a terrifyingly dominant Queen Rat. She was scarily supported by Ratlings Monique Loosemore, Emily Blake, Tegan Pinchess, Kika Green, Lisa Fairfield and Martin Holder, who also became Cats, Slaves and Londoners.
St James’ trust EASTER FAIR Saturday 11th April
If you want to join us, there are stalls available for the sale of your crafts, hobbies or the promotion of a charity. Either call into the reception or phone for booking forms, 01323 492800 / 01323 894060 and speak to Jeff or email: jeffreyinnis@btinternet.com.
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If Tester provided smut for the grownups then Andrea Mallord as Idle Jack worked the stage for the kids, getting them all shouting for her to pull up her stripy socks. And Sandra Dry delivered humour and sweetness into her Fairy Bowbells role, saying and singing her lines in Mockney tones straight out of EastEnders. The thigh-slapping Tori Blackwell was everything you would expect for Dick Whittington and Steve Llewelyn made the best of his Alderman Fitzwarren part. Jo Salter’s lovely voice leant charm to Alice Fitzwarren and Simon Fox brought much amusement to his Captain Cuttlefish, especially in his duos with Bull. Stephanie Verrall was an engagingly feline Cat and Panos Christofi was huge fun as the Sultan of Morocco. But it takes more than actors to make a successful panto, so a big hand please for directors Sarah Eaton, Kate Long and Donna Bull, musical director Ben Knowles and choreographer Stuart Hall; his complex arrangement of the If I Were Not Upon the Stage Something Else I’d Rather Be song brought the house down without the actors felling each other. And the costumes devised by Hilary Ryan, Kerry Kracke and Niki Davarias were dazzling. The set, constructed by Andy Harsant and decorated by Donna Bull, Simon Fox and Amanda Steinmann, was imaginative and worked well. James Nolan produced some great sound effects and Zack Fenrir designed stunning lighting. Fenrir was joined by Darrelle Gary as stage crew. Last but not least, there was some great music from the orchestra comprising Ben Knowles (keyboard), Tony Still (percussion), Max Gardner (guitar) and Andy Harsant (bass). Most importantly, the children in the audience loved it and joined in enthusiastically, and that’s what panto’s all about. Andrea Hargreaves Photos from top: Alice Fitzwarren (Jo Salter), Dick Whittington (Tori Blackwell); Queen Rat (Kate Long).
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