Dick Whittington written by Jack Edwards and Paul Woolf.

The Purrr…fect Pompey Panto is the description of the 2024 King’s Theatre pantomime production of Dick Whittington printed on the front of their official brochure. It doesn’t fail to live up to its description.

Celebrating ten years as the King’s Theatre Pantomime Dame, Jack Edwards plays Dame Dolly mother of Silly Billy (Joe Rowntree) who runs a sweet shop in London, great casting using a “Rowntree”. With the rat population on the increase, their business is under threat. The rats are led by EastEnders actor Lorraine Stanley in the role of Queen Rat, Stanley proves to be the “purrr…fect” Pantomime baddie.

Fairy Bowbells (Julia Worsley) narrates parts of the familiar story of Dick Whittington (George Sampson) while watching over him and guiding him on the correct path to his position as Mayor of London. Sampson is best known for winning Britain‘s Got Talent in 2008.

During the Pantomime he performs a version of his hip-hop interpretation of Singing in the Rain which is the first time I had seen it. He is accompanied by his Cat played by Jacob Bailey, whose a “purrr…fect” companion throughout the performance.

The costume and presence of Worsley as Fairy Bowbells was described by my plus one guest this evening as an “ethereal ” presence on the stage and looked exactly as a Fairy should be depicted in my guest’s opinion.

Helga Wood costume designer has created a fabulous range of outfits for the entire cast and a gorgeous range designed for Dame Dolly from the sparkly pink “Lardie” opening outfit to the “Spittles” multicoloured dress along with a matching headpiece to the glorious blue and gold finale outfit.

If you are looking for a more traditional Pantomime production this year then I can thoroughly recommend Dick Whittington at King’s Theatre. From the familiar cries of “he’s behind you” to “oh no it isn’t” director Will Kenning has captured all the festive charm for all the family to brighten up the Winter days this December.