Dick Whittington at Little Theatre, Leicester Review
Written by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
Located on Dover Street, Leicester’s Little Theatre is a gem of an arts venue nestled in the heart of the city centre. Occupying the building under this name since 1932, it hosts a wide array of productions each year, ranging from local amateur groups to professional acts, before concluding the season with a much-loved traditional pantomime suitable for the whole family.
This year’s offering, Dick Whittington, follows a daring hero as he sets off to London with his sidekick Tommy the cat by his side to pursue his fortune. He falls in love with Alice Fitzgerald, but to clear his name and obtain her hand in marriage, he has to defeat the villainous King Rat.
Written and directed by John Bale, who also takes to the stage as the larger-than-life Alderman Sarah Fitzwarren, is the life and soul of this production. This year’s script has been carefully curated to ensure there is plenty throughout the duration of the production that both the children and adults can enjoy. There are some great popular references in it, including the recent Wicked movie release. Paul Timms delivers a splendid turn as Musical Director, seamlessly weaving a wide and varied selection of songs into the script. Crowd favourites sat comfortably alongside well-known musical hits, with K-Pop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” emerging as a clear standout with our younger audience, who were happily singing along during this performance.
The company assembled for this production is a mixed bunch. Our Dick Whittington (Rose Adams) and Alice Fitzwarren (Ellie Cassie) showed plenty of promise, but their stage presence ultimately proved lacklustre. I felt they both lacked the energy and enthusiasm needed as the Principal Boy and Girl. Lyd Rushton’s Tommy the Cat is extremely sparky and full of energy. Rushton embodies this character throughout the show and will definitely benefit from more interactions with the audience.
This production of Dick Whittington has a brilliant collective of comics who elevate its silliness with real style. Thom Jones’ Idle Jack, Allan Smith’s Captain Cockle and Russell Webster’s Bill Barnacle are particulary outstanding, and John Bale’s Dame creates pure, chaotic joy. Their timing and relationship with one another result in some of the funniest (and enjoyable) moments in the show.
However, the standout in Little Theatre’s pantomime is Simon Butler’s fierce take on the King Rat. He revels in the audience participation and has an infectious energy throughout the show that makes you want to see more from him.
We also have to give a mention to the ensemble in this show. The group of young women is well-rehearsed and has beautifully crafted choreography by Caroline Walsh. There is a gorgeous selection of dance styles infused in this show, which enables them to really show their versatility and keeps the show moving at a good pace. Their costumes, also by John Bale, were a highlight (particularly in the Under the Sea scene!).
There’s a lot of great stuff in this presentation of Dick Whittington. It has all the ingredients of a perfect family pantomime: big laughs, memorable songs, and audience participation. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this festive theatrical treat this season, but some stronger performances across the board would help it truly shine.
Plays until 4 January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★
