Dick Whittington is a gift to a pantomime writer when the main character’s name has certain connotations and every mention gets a laugh. But Steve Marmion, the writer and director of this and all Playhouse pantos since 2015, also cleverly includes topical matter, which resonates with an older audience whilst lots of silliness keeps the youngsters (and young at heart) going.
Dick, played by Ricky Oakley, who also played Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk last year, is a loveable, slightly hopeless hero who needs his cat to help him succeed in life.

Cat, a very cool character, played by Alessandro Babalola, (also seen last year) is tall, stripey, always grinning and a wonderful mover. He is ‘down with the kids’  and has a great connection with his audience. Dick’s love interest, Alice, (Adrianna Bertola) is a feisty, no-nonsense woman and girl power looms large over this show.

A medley of Spice Girls songs, is a real winner in the second half, and again very topical as they are set to reunite next year! There are some wonderful comedy moments mainly involving Sarah the Cook, played by the marvellous Paul Barnhill – his third Dame here in Oxford. They include a fantastic conveyer belt scene, complete with cuddly toy, and a show stopper of a recitation of Shakespeare plays with fish in the title. Sarah wears an array of outrageous costumes, with cakes in interesting places. And we must not forget the baddie, King Rat, played by Max Olesker. I loved his dandy, sarcastic, subtle interpretation, which reminded me of certain current self-serving politicians.

Fireworks, foam, sweets and even a certain Time Lord make an appearance. Scenery, (watch out for a fabulous ship called Shippy McShipface) and costumes are used to great effect. This is a joyous, upbeat, contemporary panto for our time and it would be hard not to get swept along in its exuberance. Everyone, and I mean everyone was smiling on the way out.
★★★★★  Karin Andre    2nd December 2018

Photo by Geraint Lewis