On my way to New Wolsey Theatre to watch this year’s pantomime it suddenly hit me that Christmas would soon be here. Once again, it’s that time of year when the Ipswich theatres put on Christmas pantomimes to coax the townspeople into the festive spirit. For 2013, Dick Whittington is the panto of choice for the New Wolsey Theatre…. Oh yes it is!

This evening the theatre was buzzing with people and to add to the exciting atmosphere, there were bangers, mash and peas available to all, and mince pies with cream to follow. These were not only perfect choices for winter, but also great dishes to accompany a play set in jolly old London town.

Although set in London, the set design by Diego Pitarch is very minimal, consisting of a few pub signs and a London underground logo in the background. It may be considered simplistic compared to most pantomimes, but it is effective and versatile, changing from the streets of London to the interior of a kitchen, to a dirty sewer. This panto proves you don’t need garish colours and tricks when the acting and singing is of a top quality. Every member of the cast has a strong, voice for musical theatre, but the most surprising vocal performances come from the characters you least expect. The bumbling Billy Bungalow, Tom Bonser, and Dick’s cat Taffeta, played by Cici Howells have two of the widest ranging voices I’ve heard on the New Wolsey stage - You really get the West-End treatment in this panto.

While the story of Dick Whittington may not be as popular as Cinderella, Snow White, or even Peter Pan which is the Regent Theatre’s choice this year, but this Rock ‘n’ Roll version is the funniest pantomime I’ve seen in years – and believe me, I’ve seen a lot. Peter Rowe provides plenty of jokes based on Whittington’s unfortunate name, as well as a few Suffolk puns, and even in a 2 ½ hour play they didn’t dry up. From a male perspective, on the other hand, my other half did find the ‘Richard’ puns a bit heavy-handed, so perhaps it’s just something to tickle the ladies. Nevertheless, all the innuendos had the crowd roaring.

Even though it’s labelled as a Rock ‘n’ Roll panto, the songs come from all genres which perfectly suited the diverse audience which ranged from the older generation to young teenage girls, all the way down to the Ipswich Cubs who attended on the Tuesday night. The songs are catchy and upbeat, most of which people will recognise and enjoy singing along to, including hits by Bonnie Tyler, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Soft Cell and The Kinks.

Dick Whittington: The Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is well written and cast, hilarious throughout, and will put even the grumpiest of theatre goers in a good mood. However, what Dick Whittington has in great music and puns, other pantomimes may outshine in the intangible magical quality that Christmas pantomimes usually have. As much as it was a fun-filled evening and a laugh-a-minute play, I do think Dick Whittington could be just as at home in the summer, but that is a minor observation in an otherwise perfect panto.

I would recommend this pantomime to anyone who enjoys a good laugh. Admittedly, panto may not be a genre for everyone, but this is the funniest and possibly the naughtiest panto about, so if you’re looking for a panto to please the whole family this year, then choose Dick Whittington. You won’t regret it.

Theatre review by Jazelle Johnson

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