The bells of London ring out as we are introduced to the
characters of Dick Whittington at The People’s Theatre in Newcastle. Initially
it is the evilness of Queen Rat, Kate Reilly, which gets the audience in the
panto mood with her Henchmen – Squelch, Abigail Matin, and Squirm, Lauren
Chandler. The Spirit of Bow Bells, Paul Gaitskell, presents us with the
positive side trying to develop the happiness we expect at the finale. 
Idle Jack, Joe Robson, just gets better. He immediately
creates a rapport with the audience and despite his name he is the hardest
working member of the cast, absolutely superb. The other highlight of the show,
never uttered a word, Tommy the Magical Cat, Emma Cockburn, was just a purrfect
cat! Alice Fitzwarren, Alice Daigleish, and Dick Whittington, Evelyn Ryan, have
great chemistry. The Dame - Sarah the Cook, Steve Robertson, develops during
the show creating an excellent Dame. The story then moves us to Morocco, on the
Naughty Nancy. Where we meet Maneeta The Sultana of Morrocco, Kirstie Petley. 
There are plenty of quick-fire jokes for old and young. The
singing perfect throughout and the choreography is very entertaining. This is
the only pantomime, which fills the stage with cast. They use so many children
from the Jill Errington School of Dance, it creates an energy which other
pantomimes can’t achieve.
My only complaint would be that there was too much lighting
aimed at the audience during the overture and the opening to the second half.
It may be my age or my friends and relatives who have sight problems, but I had
to shield my eyes from the light as it became painful, as did a number of
audience members. Never had to do that before. Sometimes less is more!
Runs until Sunday 15th December 2019
