"Dick Whittington"

Nottingham Playhouse.

Theatre goers of Nottingham have grown so used to the Playhouse pantomime being written by Kenneth Alan Taylor that to replace Kenneth as the writer, with Adam Penford, was a brave step for Adam. It was a decision though that was proven to be a very successful decision.

The whole feel of the production is extra shiny, ultra-glittery and booster injected with energy.

From the moment you walk through those auditorium doors, you're slapped around the face by the explosion of glitter and colour of the set, designed by Mark Walters. Every set change reveals a more intricate and colourful vision to be devoured by the eyes.

I don't need to tell you the story of Dick Whittington but what I will say is that Adam Penford has written a modern, saucy, camp and funny version of the classic panto story. With all of the best pantos, the comedy is pitched at two levels. The silly comedy, like the opening fart gag with Billy, aimed at the kids, and then the more adult comedy for the mums and dads; and there are plenty of double-entendres for Dick fans!

There are old "groan" jokes in there but there are also lots of jokes that I had not heard before, especially the joke about swallowing Scrabble tiles (Don't try this at home kids).

The music choices span the decades and genres with generous helpings of musical theatre songs, " Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat", " Timeless To Me", a brilliant version of "Don't Rain On My Parade", classic oldies like "Rock The Boat", "Satisfaction" and "Sweet Caroline", and a smattering of more modern songs like "Butterfly", "Love On Top" and an amazing version of Mariah Carey's "Hero", again covering all ages.

There are no dancing bunnies, there are some woodland animals who sing and rats that scamper all over the set, and there is a brilliant neon fluorescent underwater scene with glow in the dark fish, swimmers and an enormous octopus, after the shipwreck scene. Pure magic.

There's also a lovely section of animated videography to tell the back story of why King Rat is the nasty piece of work that he appears to be

John Ellington (Sarah The Cook) is his usual naughty self with those near the knuckle jokes. But he is also loved by the kids for his child like appeal. He is the ultimate Dame, and like every well-respected Dame he has several costume changes; I counted eleven, each one more outrageous than the previous. His saucy jokes were well received by the sharper audience members as well as some of the more mature (in age) audience members. I especially appreciated the joke about the runny egg and the sailors... very naughty, but very funny.

Lisa Ambalavanar (Dick Whittington) returns for the triple principal panto role at the Playhouse, and she rapidly gets the audience on her side, with her warmth and voice, proving that we all love Dick. And we all love Lisa as well.

Rosanna Bates (Alice Fitzwarren) is a new name and face to me and a lovely addition to the Playhouse panto family.

Danny Hendrix (Silly Billy) really whips the audience up, and by doing this, gets them on his side, especially when Alice rebukes his proposal, and received a torrent if boos. Danny's energy levels are to be applauded, as well as his ability to keep that big grin on his face, except when the green-eyed monster rears its ugly head when Dick is around. Like Lisa, Danny is local, and it's always nice to see local talent on stage.

Ewan Ling (Tom the Cat) injects street wise sass, incorporating modern chat bruv, and spits bars with ease. Ewan also gets to show his sax appeal during his brilliant version of "Don't Rain On My Parade", which almost brought the house down. A talented addition to Nottingham panto. What's new pussycat? Ewan Ling is.

TJ Lloyd (Alderman Fitzwarren) is another actor who injects energy whenever he arrives on stage. He reminded me slightly of a younger Biggins with his personality, but has a far superior singing voice than Biggins, as showcased in his duet with John in, one of my favourite musical theatre songs from "Hairspray", "Timeless To Me".

Natalie Winsor (Fairy Brownells) brings that lovely Cockney feel to the panto. What she also delivers is a powerful set of vocals, in particular with a spine-tingling version of "Hero".

And finally, the baddie of the panto, King Rat, played deliciously evil by Christopher Chandler. I commented in the interval that if a certain ex glam rocker had played King Rat, this is what he would be like. Wide eyed, arrogant, commanding of attention, dressed in black, sneering but loving that people were reacting to his act. One of the best King Rats that I have seen in a very long time.

Adam Penford, as Director, has put together a wonderful cast and a very modern and stylish piece of Christmas fare. I was just a bit worried that he wouldn't have matched up to his panto writing predecessor but my fretting was misplaced because this panto continues, and surpasses the previous Playhouse pantos.

I enjoyed the blatant sponsors promotion, which had been written in to the script quite naturally. I also enjoyed the fresh topical humour, as well as the obvious targets for political humour, all staple panto fare but this time delivered with well timed humour.

And I must also not forget another Nottingham Playhouse panto regular, to which Playhouse panto would not be quite the same; Uncle Johnny Morton and his band, providing a powerful musical accompaniment.

As usual, amazingly eye-catching costumes by Mark Walters, wonderful choreography by Donna Berlin, and a punchy sound design by Adam Fisher with sparkling lighting by Sally Ferguson.

Two and a half hours of the best panto fun this year to date. Come and get your fill of Dick with this mouth wateringly fun show. You didn't expect me to pussy foot around with my words, did you?

"Dick Whittington" will be at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 14 January 2023.