Review: Dick Whittington is thigh-slapping, side-splitting fun

An extravagant dame, a wicked villain, high jinks and many an excitable child: it must be pantomime season.

Harrogate Theatre’s 2023 show is the thigh-slapping, side-splitting Dick Whittington, and it’s another swashbuckler for the panto lovers out there.

Spirited, sparkling and silly, the tale of Dick Whittington’s adventure to London and beyond makes for the perfect panto plot with bountiful boisterous frolics. The fun-loving cast is infectiously energetic, indulging its audience in a couple of hours of folly and fancy.

The youngest audience members, many dressed up for the occasion, had a ball, singing, dancing and revelling in their participation – especially the many opportunities to shout, boo and hiss.

The grown-ups don’t miss out, with gags to tickle even the weariest parent, and the panto is Harrogate through and through, with mention of local politics aplenty. A rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas doubles up as an advert for many of the town’s local specialties, from Weeton’s hampers to Taylors tea and Pizza Parada.

Set changes are as frequent as the dame’s outfit swaps, and the whole stage is awash with colour, glitter and merriment. A true variety performance, the show is jam-packed with audience interaction, runabouts, singalongs and slapstick humour, and sprinkled with cheeky twists on popular songs, covering everything from Elton John to Harry Styles.

The brilliantly rambunctious Michael Lambourne as the evil King Rat delivered two of my personal favourites: These Claws Are Made for Walking and a rip-roaring rendition of Rat Out of Hell.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Harrogate Theatre’s custard-pie-covered, water-pistol-soaked, fairy-dusted panto is just the way to get into the spirit. Oh yes, it is!

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Harrogate’s pantomime season starts tomorrow

Harrogate’s much-loved Christmas pantomime returns tomorrow (Wednesday) with a new production of Dick Whittington. 

The rags-to-riches story of the poor orphan boy attracted to the capital by promises of streets paved with gold and becoming Lord Mayor of London will follow the familiar format, but with a few local twists. 

Co-writer and chief executive of Harrogate Theatre David Bown told the Stray Ferret: 

“It’s a fresh take on the old Harrogate formula. With pantomime, there are certain expectations and conventions, and we work with those, and add in some of the events that have happened in Harrogate over the past year to make it relevant. So, it’s a combination of satire and slapstick, and it’s just great family fun.” 

The panto will run for 76 performances over seven-and-a-half weeks, finishing on January 14. Anchoring the piece will be perennial favourite Tim Stedman, with newcomers including Naail Ishaq and Faye Weerasinghe.  

Harrogate’s annual pantomime is widely regarded as one of the best in the north, and Mr Bown says that’s no accident. He said: 

“We work hard at every element. We concentrate very much on the story, and make it nice and clear and imaginative, so that it’s accessible for the younger members of the audience. Then we layer it with jokes for the adults, although we never do innuendo. 

“We work really hard to find jokes that work, and mix it all with newer music that’s in the charts now, and older music that more people will recognise, so there’s something for everyone.” 

Dick Whittington will open on Wednesday, November 22 and close on Sunday, January 14. Tickets are available online from the box office. 

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Harrogate Theatre holds auditions for panto dancers

Harrogate Theatre is holding auditions for chorus dancers to take part in this year’s pantomime.

Dick Whittington starts on November 22 and lasts until January 14. The theatre is looking for 12 dancers aged 13 to 17 to be part of the action.

Choreographer David Lee is holding auditions on Saturday, July 15 from 1.30pm to 4pm at St Peter’s Church Hall for young people of all gender identities.

Rehearsals take place from October 23 to November 13 and include some Saturday mornings. Technical and dress rehearsals from November 13 to 21 November will require time off school.

A theatre statement said:

“Being part of the Harrogate Theatre pantomime company is a wonderful experience and lots of fun, but it does require a serious commitment from you and your family.

“Our three dancer teams will take part in performances over the festive season. Whilst we are unable to offer any payment to pantomime dancers this is an excellent opportunity to be part of a professional performing company and learn about the commitment and skill required to be a performer.”

Further information is available here.

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Tim Stedman to star in Harrogate Theatre panto again

Panto legend Tim Stedman will return to Harrogate for the 23rd time this Christmas.

Harrogate Theatre announced today Mr Stedman will play Idle Jack in Dick Whittington.

The production will run from November 22 to January 14. Tickets are already on sale.

Mr Stedman’s first appearance at the Victorian theatre on Oxford Street was in Sleeping Beauty in 2000. Since then he has become a huge favourite.

A Harrogate Theatre spokesperson said:

“Stay tuned as we release more information on the cast and creative team throughout the year.”

The spokesperson added this year’s production would be “packed with sparkle, silliness, and side-splitting jokes”.

You can book online here or via the box office on 01423502116.

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