It is panto season and Dick Whittington has arrived at Richmond Theatre, with Paul Merton playing the dame, Sarah the Cook. This is a colourful, family friendly performance that makes good use of Merton’s dry sense of humour.
Having been involved in all four of the ITV-screened pantos from 1998 to 2002, Merton is no stranger to this art form. A memorable performance alongside Ronnie Corbett as one of the ugly sisters in Cinderella stands out from this time, and Merton certainly doesn’t disappoint here.
Alongside his wife Suki Webster, who portrays Suki the Sweetmaker, Merton often leaves the audience in hysterics with his wordplay. The ‘magic knickers’ line is particularly funny, and there is also some joy to be had in the alliteration and ‘who lives here?’ sketch.
This is not an overly exaggerated dame, more a slightly camp, slightly sassy one who seems to take joy in flirting with as many men as possible. The audience interaction works particularly well, even if it does have the audience member running for the exit to escape Sarah the Cook’s clutches.
Webster is likeable as Suki (I did wonder why the character has the same name as the actress?) and has a strong rapport with the audience. She is full of energy and bounce and provides a positive counterbalance to Vivien Parry’s villainous Queen Rat, who seems to revel in playing the baddy and upsetting the audience.
It is pleasing to see mega-pantomime producers Crossroads giving opportunities to training performers. Erin Sophie Halliday, currently in her second year at drama school, is a sweet Alice Fitzwarren, whilst Charlie Smart (in his final year) makes use of an excellent feline physicality as Eileen the cat. Young performer Jack Danson in the title role has a boyish charm that suits the role.
There are some excellent technical effects, none more so than the moment where a stage lamp explodes, seemingly giving us a glimpse backstage. These moments of the play ‘going wrong’ are effective and give the show an improvisatory style, which Merton and Webster are well-known for on the comedy circuit.
Merton jokes halfway through that they’re still trying to figure out the narrative themselves, and there is definitely something in this. The plot doesn’t always follow on and some of the songs feel a little forced. The audience does not mind this though; it’s almost as if they can forgive this lack of through-line as it is panto, and as long as they are being entertained, who cares?
Entertainment is certainly guaranteed with this performance at the beautiful Richmond Theatre. Whether it’s Merton’s jokes or Sarah the Cook’s outrageous dresses (the lampshade is particularly impressive), you can’t go wrong with this heartwarming, family show to set you up nicely for Christmas.