A purrfectly entertaining panto with plenty of laughs and fun songs
Corn Exchange Newbury’s festive panto, Dick Whittington, delivers a night of vibrant fun, with an enthusiastic cast, catchy tunes, and a healthy dose of slapstick comedy. The dynamic performances are infectious, with Kai Harris as Dick and Jade Johnson as Cosmo the Cat leading the charge with undeniable charisma. The cast’s energy lights up the stage, making the most of a script brimming with puns, local references, and audience participation.
The show features a strong ensemble, including a hilarious Scott Riney making his panto debut as the Dame, and Alex Crandon as the dastardly villain Percy Rat, who relishes every boo from the crowd. However, while the cast delivers, the script itself, though amusing, isn’t as sharp as some of the more iconic pantos around. A favourite moment though was the inclusion of the Hogwarts theme when Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley) first entered the stage as Alderman Fitzwarren. A few longer-than-necessary interludes, meant to cover scene changes, made the pacing feel a little sluggish at times. The show acknowledges these pauses with a self-aware humour, but they did stretch the experience slightly too long, causing moments of awkwardness.
As for the jokes, while there’s no shortage of gags, some fall flat. Fart jokes didn’t quite hit the mark, and the usual “Oh no you didn’t!” moments felt a little underused. That said, the musical numbers are a highlight, with a brilliant selection of chart-toppers from 2024, well-performed by the cast and cleverly riffed to fit the panto atmosphere.
Plested, Brown and Wilsher’s direction brings a refreshing twist to the classic tale, with dynamic choreography from Miranda Wilford adding a visually thrilling element. The musical direction, courtesy of Ben Barrow, ensures that the songs are both familiar and fresh, contributing to the high-energy spirit that’s synonymous with a great panto.
All in all, this Dick Whittington is a fun-filled, family-friendly show that might not be perfect, but it’s definitely one not to miss this Christmas season. If you’re looking for a festive night full of heart, humour, and lively entertainment in Newbury, this is your go-to panto!