Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society’s Dick Whittington blended brilliant acting and singing with cheesy jokes

THIS year's pantomime from Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society was Dick Whittington, a splendid tale adapted by James Barry.

Mike Watson was quite scary as the dastardly, dramatic King Rat – with stylish clothes and a long flashy tail – who aims to become Lord Mayor of London and fill it with rats, while Stevie Parker, standing in for Hilary Causey, was the well-meaning but a bit scatty Fairy Bowbells, the Spirit of London.

Arriving in town, ragamuffin Dick Whittington, enthusiastically and admirably played by Matilda Wilks, is met with derision by the inhabitants but finds a friendly cat which he names Tiddles, much to the cat's disgust as its name is in fact, “meoww-meoww-meoww-purr-meoww”.

Michele Arkle was enchanting as Tiddles, Dick's resourceful ally, full of common sense, repeatedly rushing off the stage and returning with a rat in her mouth. Shawn Condra was great fun as the amorous Dame Dolly Dumpling, with many costume changes, who helps Alderman Fitzwarren and his sweet daughter Alice in their shop – giving rise to lots of cheese and bread jokes.

Tiddles is the one who gets the job as a rat-catcher and insists that Dick comes with her, thereby meeting the Alderman and his daughter. Elspeth Dyer was delightful as the kindly Alice, who soon declares her love for Dick and supports his aspirations to rid London of all the rats and become mayor instead.

Vic Milne was brilliant in his three roles: the serious Alderman in ceremonial red robes, the bumbling Captain Barnacle, and the majestic Sultan Vinegar. Needless to say, Dolly falls for each of them despite Dick declaring: ‘That's the same bloke’.

There were some good effects including the ship battling the storm, the passengers being flung to and fro, and a terrific synchronised swimming routine by Dolly behind a silver curtain stretched across the stage.

Youngsters Will Baker, Imogen Barnett, Ruby Kendrick, Dylan Murray and Madeleine Murray were most charming and adept as rats, townsfolk, sailors and palace servants, each of them confident and assured in their roles.

The panto, directed by Debbie Murray and Hannah Rogers, was a joy, full of cheesy jokes, brilliant acting and singing, colourful costumes and inspired backcloths. From start to finish, a most enjoyable evening.

Alison Smith