Dick Whittington is a festive offering of family fun, oh yes it is! (From Gazette Series)

Dick Whittington is a festive offering of family fun, oh yes it is!

11:15am Monday 19th December 2011 in Leisure By Alexandra Womack

Review

Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal Bath

PANTOMIME season is well and truly upon us with theatres up and down the country playing host to villains and heroes, dames and jesters. And the festivities are now in full swing at the Theatre Royal Bath, where panto stalwarts from the South West and TV personalities have come together for this year’s offering; Dick Whittington.

Although the story itself is somewhat lacking in plot, none of the children in Friday night’s audience cared as they lapped up two fun-filled hours of slapstick and silliness, pop songs and dance routines, booing and hissing and plenty of panto heckling.

Holby City and Brookside star Mark Moraghan plays a mean baddie as King Rat, who is intent on taking over the whole of London town. Channel 5’s Milkshake presenter Naomi Wilkinson, well know to any parent with children under the age of five, takes on the role of a heroic Dick Whittington who heads to the capital to make his fortune.

There he secures a job working for Alderman Fitzwarren (Richard Colson) and quickly falls in love with his boss’ daughter Alice (Laura Clements) but his reputation and love life come under threat when King Rat frames him for the theft of Alice’s treasured birthday present, a diamond necklace.

Whilst the mystery unravels and Dick tries to prove his innocence, dame and director, Bath favourite Chris Harris as dame Sarah the Cook and West Country presenter Jon Monie as Idle Jack provide much light relief.

Their well-rehearsed scenes of mischief making this year involve a hearty helping of custard pies and squirty cream, underwater monsters and a rather unhealthy but hilarious amount of farting.

The shenanigans on stage are interspersed with a seasonal dose of singing and astounding dancing from young members of the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dancing.

Regardless of a rather tenuous storyline there is no denying this is a great family show which will be enjoyed by grandparents and toddlers alike. And what better time to come together than at Christmas.

Dick Whittington is on at the Theatre Royal Bath until January 22. Call the box office on 01225 448844 for tickets.