Dick Whittington - Sutton Village Hall

HOUSE full audiences last week as Sutton's Green Hut Theatre Company thrilled us with an exceptional production of the famous tale.

The co-producers David Knights and Philip Smith not only offered us an eye-catching show on stage choreographed by Emma-Jayne Waters but, with co-writer Dean Harness, also a text which played to the talent and enthusiasm of the cast and a choice of music delivered by a four-strong group from their newly-constructed orchestra pit.

Emma-Jayne Waters as Dick acted and sang strongly, ably supported by Kelly-Louise Smith as Alice.

Hovering frantically was Dean Harness' familiar pantomime dame Sarah who could not believe her good fortune in befriending Richard Wilkinson's endearing ship-owner Fitzwarren.

When London’s roads were not paved with gold, all took refuge on Fitzwarren's ship with its subsequent host of adventures.

The streets of London led promptly to HMS Pinafore, both examples of the ease with which the producers supported the stage action with gems from the charts.

The highlight was when Will Blackie, the young lead as Billy, leaped into the Titanic hit song My Heart Will Go On over the ship's bows, thereby winning the honour of leading the audience in the concluding rendition of Gobble Gobble!

Great stuff.

John Pettitt