It’s abundantly clear that the creative partnership of writers Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper, with director Andrew Beckett, have the knowledge and skills to stage an adult pantomime – and with this year’s offering Above The Stag have scored a massive hit.
With a stellar cast that all possess fabulous comic timing led by Anthony Rickman as Dick, Tom Mann as Alex Fitzwarren, Briony Rawle as Queen Rat, Matthew Baldwin as Sarah – who happens to be a master of the ad lib – and Chris Lane as Fitzwarren, the audience knew they were in for a raucous time. Despite having to adhere to social distancing (with a gap of two seats between each audience member) this did not prevent the inevitable cheering and booing of the villain.
With original songs by Jon Bradfield, the flavour of the panto was truly set – crude, rude and pure smut! And it’s high praise indeed as with the dialogue it all rhymed; truly impressive composition.
Innuendos galore and the very clever use of suggestive props gave the whole show a punch – and this all added up to a serious attack on the funny bone! This pantomime is very well written and the running gags of all things associated with Covid, and the way this government has handled the pandemic, makes this production very current.
I can honesty say the ‘wit’ of this show can most certainly be found in ‘Whittington’.
A wonderful seasonal treat; you must see it.
Photos by PBG Studios
*****
Dick Whittington – A New Dick in Town runs to 28th February 2021 at Above the Stag, 72 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London SE1 7TP. Box office: abovethestag.org.uk
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