Review: Dick Whittington at Theatr Colwyn

Dec 23 2009

TAKING a not quite four-year-old and a six-year-old to a panto could have been a fraught experience.

The little one took her favourite blanket with her "so I can hide if it’s frightening" and the six-year-old wasn’t sure if it was trendy enough.

"We’ll leave during the interval if you don’t like it," I promised. But I needn’t have worried. From the moment the curtain went up on Dick Whittington at Colwyn Bay’s Theatr Colwyn they were enthralled.

The little one didn’t need to hide under her blanket because although King Rat (Marcus Houden) was pretty terrifying, he played it with a lacing of humour which belied his ghoulish appearance.

This isn’t a panto on a lavish scale but it benefits from an excellent cast which ensures it moves along at a fast enough pace to keep the audience thoroughly involved.

Daniel Woodhouse as Idle Jack drew hoots of laughter with his clumsy footwork and oafish demeanour, while Neil Williams put in a bravura performance as Sarah the Cook. He’s one of the best panto dames I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a few.

The rest of the cast, including the cuties from the Pearl Shaw School of Dancing, give it their all for a feast of feel good festive entertainment.

Dick Whittington is on until January 3. Call 01492 872000 for more.