Dick Whittington - The Lowry - 11/12/07 by Rachel Hamer

Yes it's panto season and yes I was among the many screaming "It's Behind You" from the top of my lungs as I sat and watched Pele Productions' take on Dick Whittington.

Most people will be familiar with the story of Dick Whittington and his travels to London, only to find the streets really aren't paved with gold. Well this production sticks to tradition in that respect however it cleverly incorporates recent pop tunes into the story as well.

Chesney Hawkes takes on the lead role and is famous of course for his hit number one single "The One And Only". He delivers the song as we are introduced to his character which is of great delight to the adult females in the audience. Of course that single was on the soundtrack to the film he starred in "Buddy's Song" so we know he has acting ability as well, which shows.

Darren Day plays the bad guy King Rat and is dressed in Elvis style attire. He began his career as a comedy impressionist and they used his talent within the show. Love him or hate him he is a talented actor and is very believable as an Evil Rat, there is even a joke thrown in at the end at his own expense.

Darren's wife Stephanie Dooley takes on the role of Fairy Bowbells and Tara Wells plays Alice, Dick's love interest. Both ladies sparkle on stage and sing along to some well know pop favourites including Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love".

The supporting cast were also on top form, stand-up comic John Bishop is a hilarious Captain Cuttle, along with Jamie Greer as Sarah The Cook. Nick Newbould plays Idle Jack, Sarah's son and keeps the crowd well entertained with his slapstick comedy and Frazer Hines of Emmerdale fame plays the suspicious yet caring father to Alice.

I can't remember how old I was when I last saw a pantomime but even as an adult I was joining in with all the singing, clapping and dancing that was going on. Pantomines are supposed to be a fun way to celebrate the festive season, so why not?!

The set designs were very professional as was the choreography and the musical layout. Everything flowed perfectly and in one scene where the characters were all supposed to be under the sea you almost believed you were there too.

Bad jokes, bearded pantomime dames and innuendo's aside this is an excellent show to take the kids to this christmas, or even not to take them to, if you are a sucker for two good looking lead males like me.