London Palladium - Dick Whittington

[Guest]

At the matinee today and I'm still aching from the laughing I did. The seats aren't cheap - I don't deny it but what a spectacular production this was. In the title role was Charlie Stemp ( he of Half a Sixpence fame) and wow! can he sing and dance. A great lead. The Dame is Gary Wilmot and for me, I thought it was a much underplayed part.His shining moment was when he sang a song featuring the names of every (and I do mean every) Underground station on the London network.
Dick's love interest is Alice Fitzwarren played by Emma Williams who turns out to be a bit of a giggler.

We have Ashley Banjo and Diversity as the Sultan and his advisers. They are just breath taking in their routines.

However, it's Julian Clary as the Spirit of Bow Bells who has all the big gags and double entendre is the name of the game. There are references to Old Compton Street (gay centre of London) amongst the eyebrow raising quips. He has the most costume changes in the panto - I reckon about eight.

Gary Wilmot as Dame had 3! The villain of the piece is Queen Rat played by Elaine Price. Her role gives vent to many of her former hits and also a brilliantly re-written piece from Sunset Boulevard. Clary has some real digs at her about her career and they even duet on "I know him so well".

I must mention Nigel Havers as Captain Nigel. Once again he tries to get in on the act but gets rebuffed by everybody especially Clary.
Paul Zerdin plays Idle Jack and whilst talented as a ventriloquist the act was much the same as he did in last year's panto but I realise for some this would be a first viewing of him.

The sets and costumes are stunning and when Dick returns to London driving a big red bus that comes out from the stage and over the audience children are agog. A later scene on the ship with Dick and Spirit of Bow Bells is cleverly done as they pay homage to "Titanic".

I thoroughly enjoyed the show. One thing that amused me was the anachronisms on the backcloth - Wren's St. Paul's, Tower Bridge and Big Ben. The story is set 600 years ago but what the heck - this is panto.

One good laugh was when Dick left London after being accused of theft and the audience are denying his action. "Did he do it? Oh! Yes he did." claims the Dame. "Oh! No he didn't" claim the audience. Then a woman shouts out: "He's guilty!" Both Wilmot and the sleeping Stemp were shaking with laughter.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Geoff. I love a Panto. Julian Clary is awesome, I bet it was a great show.
To all those who think Panto is over the top and the double entendres aren't necessary they need to smell the coffee, it's history and part of our culture.
Mind you I think it's the media hyping this up not the actual public.
Sounds a nice afternoon

[Guest]

It was. Even Darrin - a panto agnostic was roaring with laughter.

[Gryff]

Sounds a great way to spend an afternoon not a big Panto fan but a very important part of our heritage
The Ballet is my Christmas fix

[boltyboy]

Sounds great Geoff, we love panto season. Have been lucky to see some of the greats in the past such as the legends Danny LaRue and John Inman. Can't beat a bit of theater.

[daisymae]

When we were in London in December we went to buy tickets for a show, but weren't sure which one. A family of 4 before us bought tickets for this so I said to Dh that panto would be good. Unfortunately they got the last 4 decent priced tickets so we saw something else. Would of loved to have seen it.

[YorkshireT]

This is a Qdos panto. They are fantastic. The one in Bradford is fabulous (Bradford believe it or not has a great history of pantomime, with really top stars, it's the only time you'll get me going to Bradford voluntarily).
I rented the apartment in Marbella of the owner of Qdos, nice place it was.
Great photo Geoffa.

[YorkshireT]

Originally Posted by boltyboy

Sounds great Geoff, we love panto season. Have been lucky to see some of the greats in the past such as the legends Danny LaRue and John Inman. Can't beat a bit of theater.

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I'd have loved to have seen those two, bet they were amazing Dames.

[Eeyore rocks]

Sounds like it was worth every penny... glad you both had a great time. 🙂

[Mexy02]

We couldn’t decide between Aladdin or duck Whittington but as we had been to Lyceum Sheffield the week before Aladdin won. We did walk past the stage door though while people were waiting for the stars to appear. Maybe next year , glad you enjoyed it.