UK Theatre Network

Dick Whittington

After last year’s hugely successful panto, Cinderella, I wondered how the Waterside Theatre would be able to emulate its former achievements.  I needn’t have worried, as Dick Whittington actually exceeds Cinderella for pure entertainment value.  This production is very slick and polished with non-stop gags and laughs throughout that had us all in stitches.  The cast, direction, set, costumes and choreography are all superb and this really does provide a fantastic evening of festive fun and frolics for all the family!

Panto King, TV and West End star Jonathan Wilkes plays the very likeable and hapless Dick, a role he played in his home town of Stoke two years ago. With a stunning career in theatre and the West End Jonathan has taken the lead in smash-hit shows including Godspell, The Rocky Horror Show, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Tommy, We Will Rock You, The Wedding Singer. He truly is one of our great all round entertainers; very charismatic with a belting singing voice, warmth, wit and the ability to relate to people of all ages.  I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he has his own entertainment series on TV and becomes known for his talents in his own right and not just as Robbie Williams’ best mate!

Jonathan also directed the panto and has made this an ensemble piece, so all the principals get a fair crack, which makes for a more interesting and rounded show.  The direction is tight and pacey and every possible gag is eked out.  Naturally there are plenty of ‘Dick’ jokes for the adults to enjoy as well as all the visual gags and the usual audience participation for the kids.

The show is opened by EastEnders actress Gillian Wright as Fairy Bow Bells, who gives a very energetic and adept performance.  Unsurprisingly there are a lot of references to her role as Jean Slater in EastEnders and the recognisable ‘duff, duff, duffs’ are played several times.

Christian Patterson, who is co-director and plays Sarah the Cook, performed a short stand-up comedy routine of gags to connect with the audience, before settling into the role of the hideous Sarah with her grotesque outfits.  Christian has an impressive CV of theatre and TV credits and is an associate artiste of Clwyd Theatr Cymru.

Suzanne Carley is the pretty Alice Fitzwarren who falls in love with Dick, loses him and, in true panto style, is reunited for their happy ending.   Suzanne has her own pop band, iPop and has toured the UK, Europe, Middle East and China and Australia.


Her father, Alderman Fitzwarren, is played with great verve and aplomb by Tim Hudson, who also plays the small role of the Sultan of Morocco.  Tim was recently seen in BBC1’s Doctors in a role described as ‘a puma in the snow’!  He has also played a Barrister in EastEnders and, as he usually plays the dame in panto, says he is ‘delighted to be making his debut at the Waterside Theatre in male apparel!’

Everyone loves to boo the baddie and Steven Serlin is an exceptionally good King Rat, with all the rodent-like moves, noises and expressions he was a joy to watch.  He also managed to make the character likeable, which is no mean feat and was great at ad-libbing with the audience.  With a powerful singing voice it’s no surprise that Steven has had an amazing career with notable performances in Little Shop of Horrors and Elvis the Musical.

Kayleigh Wilson is the lovable Tommy the Cat, who helps to see off the rat infestation.

Choreographer Nikki Wilkes has done a sterling job with some fantastic dance routines and I particularly loved the breakdancing rats and the routine to Jai Ho in the Sultan’s palace with the gorgeous costumes.  The red and gold costumes for the finale were also stunning.  Another highlight was the underwater sequence with the giant pink octopus, jelly fish and sea horses.

The rest of the ensemble company are Oliver Tranter, Carla Moorby, Bayley Darling, Rebecca Ridgwell, Gemma Formaston, Aaron Corden, Mikey Frome and Stuart Morris. 

The Juveniles are in the Red Team: Ava Kempster, Pansachol Child, Zoe Robertson, Micaela Perez, Isabella Galloway, Maisy Middleton, Lucy Fox, Katie Hopkins, Jessica Adair, Tamika Wilson, Jessica Hopkins and Georgia McElwee.  In the Blue Team: Ella Sargeant, Abigail Coney, Rebecca Mabey, Lucia Belardo, Amelia Mitchell, Sophie Bewick, Molly Saunders, Alfie Stewart, Chloe Bewick, Hannah Jarvis, Lauren Jarvis and Jessica Mabey.


The script was written by panto stalwart Eric Potts.  Lighting Designer was John Tapster.  Musical Director was Dean Austin with Musical Supervisor and Arranger Chris Hall.  The show was produced by Chief Executive of First Family Entertainment, Kevin Wood.

This panto is really good fun and will make a great  Christmas family outing, as it has something for everyone!

Performance times and dates:

December 14 th
10.30am
19.00pm
15th
13.30pm
19.00pm
16th
13.30pm
19.00pm
17th
14.00pm
19.00pm
18th
13.30pm
17.30pm
19 th & 20th
14.00pm
19.00pm
21st
14.00pm
19.00pm
22nd
14.00pm
19.00pm
23rd
14.00pm
19.00pm
24th
13.30pm
17.30pm

26th
13.30pm
17.30pm
27th
14.00pm
19.00pm
28th
14.00pm
19.00pm
29th
14.00pm
19.00pm
30th
14.00pm
19.00pm
31st
13.30pm
17.30pm

Tickets:  £10.00-£31.00 
Box Office:   0844 871 7607 (bkg fee)
Groups Hotline:  0844 871 7614
Access Booking: 0844 871 7677 (bkg fee)
Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury   (bkg fee)

Reviewed by:
Yvonne Delahaye
13/12/11