Dick Whittington at Harrow Arts Centre Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The bells of London are ringing for Dick Whittington has returned to Harrow Arts Centre this Christmas! Produced by Immersion Theatre company, this is a fabulous festive pantomime which brings joy to the hearts of everyone who watches it and is a triumph of local theatre.
This is a perfect festive Christmas experience filled with local jokes and nods to shops and important places in the local area as well as the important job of booing the villain at any given opportunity.
The story of Dick Whittington is one of fighting against the evil King Rat, while working in a sweet shop, retains all of its festive joy. This show centres on audience participation throughout. Therefore, it’s perfect for kids because there are plenty of moments to shout out “oh no he won’t”, “he’s behind you” and that you’re feeling “perfect”.
The writing of this panto contains a plethora of hilarious jokes for the adults and mash ups of your favourite 80s songs including Macho Man, YMCA and “Rat out of Hell”. The set design is fun and uses a cgi screen along with select props to bring a vividly colourful world to life. The lighting effects worked well to bring the festive party nature of pantomime to life. The costuming was colourful, brilliant and very exciting on stage, with highlights including a tub of sweets and shipwreck outfit. The pace was also excellently balanced with both acts working to an hour each way and a short twenty minutes interval. This was fast paced and interactive enough that even the most fidgety toddler was able to sit and enjoy the show.
The cast are truly terrific on stage together and have brilliant festive energy. Sam Carlyle is brilliant and kind as the Fairy of Bowbells. James Sygrove is fantastically camp and gleefully evil as King Rat. Ben J Packer was mischievous, hilarious and a firm child favourite among the audience. Harry Simmonds as the titular Dick Whittington was sweetly earnest and wonderfully charismatic on stage. Tolia Uwalaka was kind and hilarious as Alice, with strong singing. Alex Bloomer was fantastic as Mayor Naise and had brilliant chemistry with the cast. The pantomime dame always has a special role in bringing the story to life. Philip McParland is truly wonderful as Dame Cecily Sweetlove. He is at the centre of all the mayhem and joy while effortlessly charming with both the cast and audience and a firm favourite with both. This cast are strong individually but work together to create festive magic.
This is a wonderful pantomime which will perfectly set you in the spirit of Christmas. It is a local pantomime filled with London jokes and the perfect show to introduce your young children to pantomime. If you enjoy shouting “he’s behind you”, hilarious skits and leaving the theatre feeling full of Christmas spirit, then this is the show for you. If you go to one family pantomime this year, make it this one.” ️️️️️
Plays until 30 December
★★★★★
