The Corn Exchange Theatre in Newbury is a delightful, friendly and intimate theatre. Volunteers and staff join in to help to get the show going and immediately the audience is engaged in hand clapping and humming along to the music.

The show is classic pantomime fare in all it’s silly traditions. An over-the-top Dame, a
fairy detective, handsome hero and dastardly villain. Plenty of puns, booing and participation; including the whole audience dancing to The Time Warp.

Dick Whittington (Kai Harris) travels from Newburyshire to London to advertise the
delights of Newbury and The Corn Exchange. On arrival he finds all is not well as London Town is overrun with Rats and one final perfumery emporium is holding out. With the help of his loyal cat, Cosmo (Jade Johnson) he overcomes obstacles, defeats the villainous Percy Rat, and rises to become the Lord Mayor of London.

For the sixth year running, the award-winning writing team of Plested, Brown and Wilsher return. Adam Brown directs a fun interpretation of the traditional story that sparkles with energy and pace.

Kai Harris, dressed as a scout with numerous badges, is brilliant in his debut
professional role as Dick with his singing, dancing and acrobatic skills. He is one to look out for in future.

Alex Crandon is a true villain as the evil Percy Rat and relishes the audience’s boos.

Grace Kelly Miller investigates the chaos as Detective Fairy Bowbells determined to
keep law and order in Newburyshire aided by a little bit of magic.

Every panto needs a dame, and Scott Riney embraces the role of Dame Jolene Malone
wearing the most outlandish costumes.
Shannon Bourne providing the love interest as Alice Fitzwarren is extremely strong on vocals.

The cast features Harry Potter film star Chris Rankin, who is best known for playing Percy Weasley in the Wizarding World franchise and will be performing as Alderman Fitzwarren.

Pantomime isn’t complete without its ensemble, who bring energy and vitality to the stage, and this production is no exception with Adam Craig, Finna Hardy and Jake Poolman providing strong support.

The whole show was brilliantly choreographed by Miranda Wilford and performed enthusiastically by the cast.

Musical director Ben Barrow ably assisted by Luke Hinchliffe provide an eclectic mix of tunes (mostly adapted from well-known pop songs) all played with great vigour by the band.

The capacity, enthusiastic audience were out for a fun afternoon, and they were
certainly not disappointed. It was an absolute delight with children particularly enjoying the bicycle ridden by Detective Bowbells which is powered by fairy farts.

For more information about Dick Whittington and to book tickets, please use the link below.

https://cornexchangenew.com/events/dick-whittington-2

Four Stars

Reviewer Nina Gardner.

Performing from Friday 29th November 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025 .

Location Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5BD

Cast
Dick Whittington Kai Harris
King Rat Alex Crandon
Alderman Fitzwarren Chris Rankin
Alice Fitzwarren Shannon Bourne
Dame Scott Riney
Detective Fairy Bowbells Grace Kelly Miller
Cosmo Jade Johnson
Ensemble Adam Craig
Ensemble Finna Hardy
Ensemble Jake Poolman.

Creative Team
Writer/Director Adam Brown
Writer Amanda Wilsher
Writer Clare Plested
Choreographer/Assistant Director Miranda Wilford
Musical Director/Orchestrations Ben Barrow
Second Musician Luke Hinchliffe
Production Manager Guy Dickens
Lighting Designer Vicky Allen
Sound Designer Nathan Smith
Set and Dame Costume Designer Mark Walters of Glitter Pantomimes Costumer
Designer/Wardrobe Supervisor Carl Davies
Casting Director Brunton Casting

Photo Credits Corn Exchange Theatre