DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT

Hackney Empire

★★★★

“This is a campy and silly way to spend an evening, but feels festive and fun”

This is a rollicking rollercoaster of a panto. Written by Will Brenton and directed by Clive Rowe (who also stars) it remains true to the classic traditions while feeling decidedly fresh and joyously fun. There are many old favourites, with the audience prepped to shout out ‘he’s behind you’ and ‘wakey-wakey’ at every opportunity, but it never feels tired or obvious (well, no more than a panto should).

The story of Dick Whittington is a pantomime staple, though it is a little convoluted. For those who don’t know, Dick heads for London, is gifted a magic talking cat by the Fairy Bowbells and arrives to a city not paved with gold, but beset by rats. He gets a job, falls in love and his cat chases away the rats. Then he and the gang head off to sea, in search of goods to sell and riches to be made. When they arrive back in London, Dick becomes Mayor and they all live happily ever after.

The plot is not really important. The show is about the musical numbers, dancing and groan-worthy puns. Kandaka Moore, as Dick, and Aryana Ramkhalawon as Alice, valiantly perform their more serious plot line. They showcase their beautiful vocals and carry the show’s message, which is the importance of striving for your dreams. It’s nice to have a woman playing Dick, and makes their storyline feel more modern, as it matters less that Alice is a slightly undeveloped love interest. Their romance is sweet and provides an emotional note to offset the silliness.

Graham MacDuff is fabulous as the deliciously evil rat king, dressed as a steampunk with a tail. He rocks out to remixes of Backstreet Boys and Chappell Roan, just some of the exquisitely playful music from Steven Edis. It’s delightfully silly.

Kat B is excellent as Tommy the Cat, especially during his solo, where black light and neon puppets are used to produce the most incredible effect of floating under the sea. It is a sudden and startlingly beautiful piece of direction.

However, the unquestionable star is Clive Rowe as Sarah the Cook. He commands the stage with cheekiness and flair, toeing the line perfectly between naughty and family friendly. Everyone in the audience, regardless of age, is eating out of his hand. He’s particularly joyous with Hackney panto staple Tony Timberlake, where they have a chance to play off each other and improv a little. Rowe’s musical numbers are rich and boppy, his puns awful but wonderful and his stage presence is unparalleled.

He wouldn’t be the star he is, however, without costume designer Cleo Pettitt. Each costume change is more outlandish and higher concept than the last – some favourites include a cash register, a pepper grinder and an entire cruise ship.

The supporting cast all ooze with panto giddiness, especially in dance numbers by choreographer Shay Barclay. Jemima Dawes and Alfie Simmons are particularly fun as cartoonish rat villains. Particular ensemble standouts are Olivia Kate Holding’s crystal-clear vocals, showcased in a short solo, and Fraser Stewart who gives every dance number 120% energy. Also, the Hackney Empire Young Ensemble who play the rat chorus and villagers are charming and adorable.

This is a campy and silly way to spend an evening, but feels festive and fun. It’s not stuck in the past and is a great night out for the whole family.

DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT at Hackney Empire

Reviewed on 5th December 2024

by Auriol Reddaway

Photography by Mark Senior

Previously reviewed at this venue:

ALADDIN | ★★★★ | November 2023

DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT

DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT

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