A folktale powered by 90s anthems—Dick Whittington relights the fire of panto magic
I took my 13 year old son last night to watch this year’s Oxford Playhouse panto – Dick Whittington. The entertainment began before the panto even started with MC Hammer pumping and dance moves on stage, snow falling and the audience warmed up for a great night. Last year was our first in a long time to an Oxford Playhouse panto and I’m cottoning on to their secret sauce – they get you from the very first beat and sweep into panto world—fast‑paced, toe‑tapping and high energy.
The panto has all the magic elements that make it a traditional pantomime, but it’s taken a completely different twist. It’s more inspired by the Dick Whittington tale rather than closely following it as a story.
What makes it an absolute standout is the 90s music throughout. It took me back to relive my youth and it was hard not to leap out of my seat and start dancing.
King Rat, Liam Rattagher arrives on stage as the baddy and you makes you want to cheer as much as boo. Donning sunglasses and Manc swagger, Robin Hemmings nails the character. There couldn’t be an Oasis flavour without Blur and Parklife – opps Ratlife was the perfect song and Daniel Forrester as Damian Allbran makes a great goofy mayor.
Adding to the twist, Dick is actually Dot, performed by the talented Daisy Ann Fletcher. The panto blends in local gags – think congestion zone and Botley bridge with slap stick comedy, one liners and something for all ages incluing 6 7 (if you know, you know). There were of course the disguised jokes for adults – how could there not be with a leading character named Dick. I had my teenager squirming a bit with embarassment as he’s in that inbetween age of getting it but being out with his mum!
What do you get if you cross a stand-up comedian with a bubbly actress – you get a brilliant dame with full on stage presence. Lucy Frederick has strutted the stage at the Edinburgh Fringe and she’s delivered a brilliant peformance and beware if you’re sitting at the front as you could very well end up taking part too. If you’re wondering about fairies then you won’t be disappointed as Elliott Wooster brings all the sparkles as Fairy Bowbells.
You couldn’t have a 90s soundtrack without boy band nostalgia and you’ll get all the hits just like you’ve uncovered your old mix tapes. From Britney to Backstreet Boys – all your guilty pleasures … or maybe just mine if you’re a bit cooler!
Special mentions also need to go to the live band who were spot on with the music and sound effects, the slick choreography and the Young Company of 11-15 year olds who shine. Yuen – if you read this, you lit up the stage with a standout charm and confidence, talent that screams ‘future star’.
This is pantomime at its best: familiar magic, local flavour, and a soundtrack that makes you grin from ear to ear. Oops they’ve done it again, Oxford Playhouse has delivered a festive treat that’s equal parts tradition and throwback party.
Magic Tickets
Last year the Oxford Playhouse were able to give away over 1,800 tickets to school children and community groups allowing them to access the magic of live theatre that they would otherwise not had the opportunity to experience. If you can support with donations and help reach more, please do. Find out more here
