The New Wolsey rock 'n' roll panto has always been a highlight of the season, but this year, with a new team in charge and under the direction of Douglas Rintoul, it has had a refresh and come up sparkling with a lot of sass and a new dose of energy.
We all know the story of Dick Whittington, but writer Vikki Stone has wrenched it into the 21st century with a contemporary, no nonsense female lead in the shape of Elizabeth Rowe playing a very feisty Alice . She and her mother Dame Sarah are plagued by giant rats, but she’s willing to take them on—she just needs a bit of help.
The action starts in Ipswich with Dick—confidently played by Luke Thornton—setting out to seek his fortune in London by hitching on the A12. Here he meets the actual star of the show: Myles Miller playing the Cat. Admittedly, he probably has some of the best lines, but he delivers them with aplomb. He’s funny, slinky and sassy with great stage presence, and in a show full of stars, he still shines the brightest. He’s looking for a human to name him (apparently cats can’t name themselves) so hitches his fortunes to Dick and off they go to London.
There they meet Alice and Dame Sarah. The Dame this year hasn’t got as big a role as previous pantos—and there is certainly not the slapstick that is sometimes expected—but Max Kinder plays expertly with the humour, makes the most of the part and takes the stage whenever they appear.
Regular Steve Simmonds this year plays King Rat. This is usually the evil character in a panto, but he plays him very much for laughs, milking out as much comedy as he can. He also plays a mean guitar in the music numbers.
And the music is great. All the actors are also talented musicians, belting out some great hits and changing the words where appropriate (The Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)" adapted to 70!)
Janna May holds it together as the Fairy narrator and the rest of the cast give it their all as they play various supporting roles, as well as instruments and vocals.
There’s so much pace and energy on stage they hardly pause for breath, as the story races from Dame Sarah’s cake shop to a secret island (a nice turn by Janna May as the Pirate Captain) to take part in a challenge to catch rats and win a million pounds—a ruse by King Rat to capture the trio and take over London from the sewers.
But of course good triumphs and it's happy ever after for all.
Not only is this year’s show a belter, but it is much more child-friendly than some previous offerings—there’s lots going on and the jokes are the right side of cheesy (just) without being on the whole too adult or suggestive.
And its only two hours long—which is a relief for parents of younger kids.
Oh, and a shout out to Emily Bestow for brilliant costume and set design.
So 100% recommended as your seasonal treat for all the family. Get those tickets now.