Review: Dick Whittington, Kings Theatre Portsmouth
With the majority of UK theatres still in the dark, the lights are gradually coming back on for a select few - and the lights certainly shone brightly upon The King's Theatre in Portsmouth for their annual ‘Pompey Panto’, which this year is the fairytale favourite Dick Whittington. Some festive cheer and a good ol' spoonful of British pantomime is certainly what the doctor ordered after this trialing and unpredictable year. In true pantomime fashion, we all want 2020 to "be behind us" (oh yes we do!)
Upon arrival at The King's, audience members are directed to specific entrances, which allows a staggered and controlled entry into the auditorium and one-way systems have been put in place. Your temperature is checked and then you are good to go! If this is the new normal for the time being, then it certainly works very well, and it is the least bit intrusive on your theatrical experience. I take my hat off to the front of house and theatre management team for making it work for everyone.
This production of Dick Whittington is everything you would expect (and more!) from a first class pantomime - a superb set, colourful costumes and a selection of the worst jokes, which would have been better suited in a Christmas cracker! With frequent references to local places (be warned anyone from Gosport!) and clever references to everything 'laughable' with our current pandemic, this pantomime encompasses a healthy amount of topical comedy.
When it comes to holding the audience in the palm of your hand, this cast are experts. With particular mention, Jack Edwards (Dame Dolly) is hilarious from start to finish and his (or shall I say, her!) comic timing could not have been better. Jack certainly gives pantomime legend Biggins a run for his money! Supporting alongside is local boy James Percy (Silly Billy) who gives a strong comedic performance as the village idiot. The two bounce off each other perfectly and their camaraderie throughout is a joy to watch. Chorus members Tara Holland, Scott Norton, Millie Smith and Samuel Lewis-Wright provide terrific support to the principals. No show would be complete without a strong chorus line.
Band members Andrew Woodland (Keys), Chris Buck (Drums) and Tim Marshall (Bass) together produce a great sound from the orchestra pit, which adds an air of magic to the pantomime. You can't beat live music! Although a strange mixture of songs, there is something for everyone with a couple of homages to theatrical greats, Les Miserables and Hamilton along the way.
The performance last night ended with a well-deserved standing ovation, which I'm sure was emotional for the cast on-stage to receive. The CEO of The King's Theatre came out and personally thanked everyone, which I'm sure is such a relief that the show has gone ahead during these troubled times. The Kings Theatre has certainly pulled out all the stops under difficult circumstances and I know every single audience member left the auditorium feeling uplifted, energised and full of festive cheer (even the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth could be seen dancing the night away in his box!).
If it's good enough for the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, then it's certainly good enough for the "Lord Mayor of London".
Dick Whittington is a first class pantomime and gets my vote as the show to see this Christmas.
Performances run until 3 January 2021. All tickets are £20. To book tickets, please click here.
***** 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Ryan Bishop