Fabulously funny pantomime to banish and shed those winter blues

The story of Dick Whittington is a fascinating amalgam of real life, folktale and, of course, a pantomime plotline.

Alan P Frayn’s version spins along winningly under the direction of Tom Mackriell. Mark and Mia Wood’s glorious set designs take us to Highgate Hill, bound for London and high hopes, and later, by sea, to a palace in Morocco.

But everywhere there are rats! Mike Rochford is the arch villain of the piece as loathsome King Rat, lording it over his obedient ratpack. Congratulations to the young actors who play the Ratlings so well. Everyone knows that Dick Whittington was made to turn again by the sound of Bow Bells; there are no bells as such, but we do meet Fairy Bowbells (a charming and down-to-earth Helen Murphy) exerting a positive influence on events in her optimistically sky-blue gown (this and other wonderfully medieval and maritime costumes by Marilyn Johnstone and Jean Simmons). Emmeline Johnson is a splendid pantomime boy, playing Dick Whittington with dashing swagger and forming a lovely couple with Roisin Barnfather as the alderman’s daughter, Alice. Alderman Fitzwarren himself is played with great aplomb by Pete Smithson.

Completing the household in Fitzwarren’s store are Idle Jack and his mother, Dame Dolly Dumpling. Fiona Huntingford-Ledger as Jack is a natural comedian, raising many laughs from the audience but she also has a good singing voice.

Alex Watts is fabulously funny and appealing as Dolly Dumpling. Arguably the star of the show is Tom the Cat. Barbara Wood is comically cool as Dick’s feline friend.

But still there are the rats, even in faraway Morocco. The alderman has a contract to deliver rat poison to the palace of the Sultana (Sarah Enticknap), so the company sets sail for foreign lands. Leading them are the wonderful comic duo of Bojenna Cox as the sea captain and Abi Thornton as mate, Scupper.

The Sinodun players certainly know how to entertain. Audience participation for both adults and children is beautifully orchestrated in true pantomime spirit. There is plenty to delight the crowd.

Talented chorus members sing and dance in spirited fashion. Choreography is by Virginia Chell. Sue Huntingford-Ledger and Gaby Clements direct the music, including a terrific live band. Lighting is by Alistair Harvey.

Put all these ingredients together and Dick Whittington has enough zip, zest and zing to banish any shred of winter blues.

Runs until tomorrow (Saturday).

Susan Creed