A DICKENSIAN touch to the opening of South Zeal Players' panto Dick Whittington served as a stepping stone towards an earlier century as the delightful voice of young Alice Glover, among other capable soloists, helped set the scene as they captivated the audience in the Victory Hall.
Jo Pewsey, as Whittington, admirably used her acting talent to not only woo Alice but also gain the support of the audience through the trials and tribulations that beset the trainee
merchant before he attained mayoral glory.
Tom, Dick's cat, proved to be a popular puss and one quite capable, thanks to Maurie Prichard, of sending the audience into fits of laughter with his antics.
Equally spell-binding in her own way was Pat Fisher, the witch who everyone loved to hiss, and were delighted eventually to see turned to stone. Before such treatment, however, the audience was treated to many a scene that made full use of the benefit of set construction and scenery by Ron Hurst, Barrie Toombs and Steve Tyler.
The younger members of the cast, clearly indicating developing talent, all played their parts with vigour and enthusiasm in an outstanding production in which onlookers were transported from London's Cheapside, through a departmental arcade, on board a storm-tossed boat, to the South Seas and back to Watling street.
One of the most memorable scenes, among the many that entertained the appreciative audience, was dinner on board the boat when it gave John Birch, as Idle Jack, the opportunity to confirm his comedy talents while serving a meal in a raging storm.
The outstanding performance of the panto, however, came, not surprisingly, from Roger Partridge whose experience shone through every scene as he, in skirts as Sarah, appeared in a fashion parade of spectacular outfits and hats and make-up that many a professional would only dream of. This, together with an ability that captured the true values of pantomime, kept the audience entranced, delighted and totally entertained.
Credit must go to producer/director David Watkins for encouraging every member of the company, on and back stage to display their talents to the full.
It was not just a case of 'return Dick Whittington' more a case of 'return South Zeal Players and bring more panto with you.'
Ursula Radford