This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour was invited to see Dick Whittington by Wolverhampton Grand.
Last night’s press night for Dick Whittington also saw Wolverhampton Grand marking its 125th anniversary and comedy legend Jimmy Tarbuck made an appearance mid-performance to mark the anniversary.
By Dave Massey twitter.com/BrumHour
Dick Whittington at
Wolverhampton Grand
Written and Directed by Ian Adams, co-directed by Adrian Jackson
In London’s East End, Alderman Fitzwarren (played by Jeffery Holland) has a rat problem caused by Queen Rat (Sue Pollard). One day Dick Whittington of Weatherfield (Corrie actor Ryan Thomas) is given a magical cat called Tommy (Jordan Ginger) by fairy Bow Bells (Julie Paton). Tommy is an expert rat catcher but before the two have settled into Alderman’s business, Dick falls for the Alderman’s daughter Alice (Katie Marie-Carter).
In the meantime Queen Rat makes everyone think Dick and Tommy the cat are both thieves (and for reasons which I will never understand however many versions of Dick Whittington I see) they stow away on the Alderman’s ship which sets off to Morocco.
Fancy costumes, lovely sets, great special effects and a whole load of talent fill the stage throughout this romp of a production, the story has more than a few nods to carry-on films and warm classic comedy of the 70s and 80s. Ideal for those taking their kids and grandkids to the theatre and looking for a fun night out themselves.
Adept director, writer and panto dame Ian Adams plays the spoons and even does a “sand dance” bringing a classic variety feel to the show. Much of the singing is left in the very capable hands of Julie Paton who is also this production’s talented choreographer.
Ryan Thomas as Dick Whittington photo by Tim Thursfield – Express & Star 
Su Pollard as Queen Rat photo by Tim Thursfield – Express & Star
Making his panto debut is comic and impressionist Aaron James as Idle Jack who demonstrates his A to Z of impressions which surprised and impressed the audience at every turn. Though I wasn’t sure about the jokes about his mother’s weight which cropped up throughout.
Sue Pollard is delightful as Queen Rat, I’d have loved to have seen even more ad-libbing as the challenging tongue-twisting rhymes let us know when it was Sue’s own voice vs the actual proper script. Ryan Thomas is a great leading man and whilst not known for singing or dancing I’d love to see him take even more confidence in his voice.
Julie Paton as Fairy Bowbells photo by Tim Thursfield – Express & Star 
Katie Marie-Carter as Alice Fitzwarren photo by Tim Thursfield – Express & Star
A classic story given the full-on panto treatment Dick Whittington is at Wolverhampton Grand until 12th January. Book tickets here: grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/dick-whittington
This isn’t a sponsored post.
When not writing about theatre for BrumHour, or producing Interval Theatre for Brum Radio (Tuesdays 3pm) brumradio.com/intervaltheatre,
Dave Massey can be found eating crisps and tweeting about Birmingham for #BrumHour.
