REVIEW: Dick Whittington
**** [4 STARS]
Salisbury Playhouse has once again proven itself as the go-to destination for festive family entertainment with their 2023 production of Dick Whittington. This delightful pantomime has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday treat—laughter, adventure, and a generous sprinkle of panto magic.
While the story followed the familiar trajectory of Dick Whittington's journey to becoming Lord Mayor of London, the creative team injected fresh energy into the narrative, making it feel both timeless and contemporary. The blend of traditional pantomime elements with modern twists and tunes has engineered a true panto classic, that had the audience up dancing and singing throughout.
The humour in Plested, Brown & Wilsher’s Dick Whittington struck the perfect panto chord, offering a delightful balance of jokes that catered to all. The witty one-liners and clever wordplay kept the laughter flowing, making it an incredibly enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages.
One of the standout features of this pantomime was how well the writing team expertly tailored the narrative to the heart of Salisbury. With an abundance of local references seamlessly woven into the storyline, and a talented team of local young performers in the chorus, the whole performance felt like a celebration of Salisbury’s community and spirit.
Full Company - 📸 The Other Richard
The cast of Dick Whittington were incredibly strong, bringing the characters to life with such flair and charisma that it was impossible not to be captivated. Will Carey’s Dick Whittington and Olivia Hewitt Jones’ Alice were endearing and effervescent, charming every member of the sold-out auditorium. Percy Rat, portrayed with hilarious characterisation by Will Jennings, stole the show with great comedic timing and an over-the-top performance that had the audience roaring with laughter.
If you're looking for the perfect destination for festive entertainment, look no further than Salisbury Playhouse. Dick Whittington not only delivers a heart-warming and hilarious experience but also showcases Salisbury as a vibrant and culturally rich destination for the holiday season. If it’s not already, I urge you make the Salisbury Playhouse panto a must-see tradition in your Christmas calendar!
David Rumelle and Company - 📸 The Other Richard
Don't miss out on the magic—book your panto tickets now and join in the festive fun at Salisbury Playhouse!
Dick Whittington is running at Salisbury Playhouse until January 7 2024.
BSL and Captioned Performance, 6 December at 7pm
BSL, Captioned and Relaxed Performance 4 January 2024 at 2:15pm
Audio Described and Touch Tours on 14 December at 2:15pm and 7:30pm and 19 December at 7pm.
Tickets from just £17, head to 🔗 https://bit.ly/SalisburyPantomime