Dick Whittington And His Cat – Keighley Amateurs

IT IS PANTO time in Keighley this week, much-enjoyed by eight well-filled audiences at Victoria Hall with a cast of some 60 singers, dancers and musicians.

First on the stage in a puff of smoke on the left was lovely Stephanie Laycock as Fairy Moonbeam, opposite on the right was Mark Hutchinson as King Rat, loudly booed.

Soon we were having fun with Dick Whittington himself, beautifully sung by Fiona Spencer, and his sleeping animal friend Danny Duckworth as Tommy the Cat.

Ever promptly were two rogues: Paul Jennings and Philip Smith as Daphne Dumpling and Idle Jack, full of mischief.

Their goal was David Brett as Alderman Fitzwarren in his Discount Store in Threadneedle Street.

Needless to say, trouble quickly brewed especially during Dick Whittington’s dream, more like a nightmare in music director John Sandland’s cacophonous musicians’ hands.

Back on the main deck of the good ship Heaving Stomach in the second half, our Dick and his friends were more composed.

As Irving Berlin famously said, “anything you can do I can do better”, and Elliott Green and Bailey Roper as the Blot/Clot twins proved it.

After a massive tug-of-war on the equator, Morocco en route was a delight.

Mark Coulthard as their emperor was in masterly control and the end was in sight.

The final scene depicted Richard Whittington’s reception back at the London Guildhall to a celebration of over 60 singers singing their hearts out.

* Victoria Hall until Saturday, including Saturday matinee.  Call 08456 252550 to check ticket availability.

John Pettitt