Dick Whittington and His Cat

Introduction

Hackney Empire's Christmas pantomime is a fabulous annual tradition. Pantomimes are fun, family theater with stories loosely based on children's fairy tales. Pantos are suitable for adults too as there is always plenty of slapstick comedy. Expect plenty of audience participation by calling out, "It's behind you!" and "Oh, no it isn't" and "Oh, yes it is" as well as plenty more phrases for each character. Enter into the spirit of things and you'll have a great time.

• 2008 Pantomime Review: Mother Goose
• 2007 Pantomime Review: Dick Whittington & His Cat
• 2006 Pantomime Review: Cinderella

Dick Whittington and his Cat is Susie McKenna's 12th pantomime for the Hackney Empire. McKenna is an acclaimed actress and the Associate Director of Hackney Empire. She has been directing since 1994 and is an established member of the Empire "family".

Pros

• Clive Rowe is back.
• More original songs that last year.
• Good use of the theater by having Dick start in a box in the Dress Circle and then the performers in the Lord Mayor's Parade dance around the stalls.
• Hilarious cream pie throwing scene.
• Excellent gorilla costume in the Second Act.

Cons

• Hard to balance jokes for all age groups. Some jokes fell flat in the matinee performance when they would be hits with an all adult audience in the evening.
• Hackney Empire's 'pantomime horse', which is two actors in a single costume, only made one brief appearance.
• Lots of local references. As usual, there were lots of references to local places in Hackney. I hope this isn't too alienating for those visiting from outside of the borough.

Contact Details

Address:
Hackney Empire
291 Mare Street
London
E8 1EJ

Telephone:
020 8510 4500

Box Office:
020 8985 2424

Official Website:
www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Make friends with Dick Whittington on Facebook or follow his blog.

The Story of Dick Whittington and his Cat

All pantomimes are based on a children's stories and Dick Whittington and his Cat is a tale of a poor boy from Gloucester who goes to London, with his cat, to seek his fortune as he believes the streets are paved with gold. He is not initially successful but in time becomes the Lord Mayor of London and marries his master's daughter.

Review

I was particularly excited to see this year's panto as Clive Rowe is back. He is a renown panto dame and remains eternally popular. He also threw out sweets for the children which endeared him to them all. Clive has been busy doing TV work but was back for Dick Whittington and his Cat to play Sarah the Cook, Dick's mother. Dick Whittington is played by Hannah Jane Fox, who was the original Scaramouche in We Will Rock You! You read that right; Dick is played by a woman and his mother is a man in a dress. Yes, pantomimes are a lot fun!

The Empire's own Tameka Empson returned as Fairy Bowbells who spoke in rhyming verses. Her Caribbean lilt is always used for comedic value and I really enjoyed her version of The Maytals Monkey Man in the Act Two with the huge gorilla dancing behind her. Mike Denman plays Dick's cat and is an expert dancer and acrobat. Idle Jack ("Wakey wakey Idle Jack") was played by Kat B whose costume included wheelie shoes to the amusement of lots of the children in the audience. Talented local children are always involved in the shows and put on a great performance.

The evil King Rat arrived with exploding fireworks which, unfortunately, scared my friend's child so much they had to leave. A few other children had to step out as they got upset which was a shame but is not unusual in family theater. It reminds us that swearing and violence can be replaced with innocent boos and thumbs downs and the older children, and adults, loved shouting back at him.

Pantomimes always have lots of phrases the audience need to learn and shout at each character but I did find it hard to remember them all.

House lights go up for the opportunity for the audience to learn a song and dance routine and then each side of the theatre competes to be the best. This is great in the matinee as the kids really get in to it.

The finale of the Act One was a fabulous ship that was moved around the stage and then opened up for a scene 'on' the boat. The set design is always well-considered for Hackney Empire's pantomimes. Lotte Collett was in charge of the set and costume design this year and the she can pat her herself on the back for the ship and the huge gorilla costume, which were outstanding.

I love the way Hackney Empire's pantomimes are always able to involve some messy play each year. You know when it's coming up as the characters appear with colorful waterproof clothes. This year's hilarity involved plenty of cream pies being thrown!

Conclusion

A definite improvement on last year as I laughed, danced, and sang along the whole way through. I'm already excited to see what amazing set creations can be designed for next year.

• 2008 Pantomime Review: Mother Goose
• 2007 Pantomime Review: Dick Whittington & His Cat
• 2006 Pantomime Review: Cinderella