Review of Dick Whittington and his Cat performed at King’s Lynn’s Alive Corn Exchange: Panto cast shows excellent chemistry during exceptional show

Panto Review: Dick Whittington and His Cat

King’s Lynn Alive Corn Exchange

You couldn’t have asked for anything more out of this ‘purrfect’ pantomime which left the audience ‘feline’ fine in time for Christmas as the cast of Dick Whittington and his Cat took to Lynn’s Alive Corn Exchange.

There was a real buzz coming out of the Corn Exchange on Sunday evening when myself, my mum and friend Liv went to see the show, which left everyone on a festive high.

After speaking to some of the cast at their launch, I was really excited to see what this year’s crew would bring. Pantomime favourite Scott Cripps was definitely a highlight but each and every character brought the show to life.

Based on the folk story of Dick Whittington and his Cat, writers and producers sprinkled a silly and playful twist to the tale which included plenty of jokes for both children and grown-ups to enjoy.

The story showed Dick Whittington’s venture to London to go and make his fortune, while of course facing a few obstacles along the way.

There were plenty of jokes slipped in for adults and comedic mentions of local places such as Snettisham and Swaffham.

As my mum liked to point out, I was genuinely “cackling” with laughter throughout the show – Idle Jack and dame Sarah The Cook played by Scott Cripps and Alex Wadham were the main reason for this cackling.

Playing a mother and son duo, the pair had excellent chemistry and their joy and laughter were truly infectious. A scene where they were arguing over painting and decorating was absolutely hilarious.

It is fair to say that Wadham had some pretty big shoes to fill after replacing Ian Marr, but he didn’t fail to impress.

The cast also got the audience involved, with dame Sarah “crushing” on somebody in the front row and flirting with him throughout the evening.

Towards the end of the show, a heartwarming interaction between Idle Jack and two little girls who came on the stage was also cute and funny.

Laura Pigott who played Dick Whittington had a strong and beautiful voice which blended well with that of Lotti Brogan, who played Whittington’s lover Alice Fitzwarren.

Daisy Fitzgerald, who played the role of the cat, was also a standout. She didn’t speak a word throughout the show but she didn’t need to because her face really said it all.

An essential for a good panto is an evil baddie. And King Rat played by Andrew Piper really got the crowd antagonised and booing. He was delightfully evil.

Other standout characters included a Cockney fairy godmother played by Marissa Landy and Lotti Brogan as Alice Fitzwarren.

I couldn’t finish this review without mentioning the incredible team of young dancers who showed a lot of talent and were smiling throughout.

So, was this year’s panto worth going to watch? My answer to that would be: “Oh yes it was!”

The panto continues until December 31. To book, visit www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/theatre/whats-on/childrens/dick-whittington/#tickets or call 01553 764864. Tickets are priced from £18 to £24.