Review of Dick Whittington the Rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre *

We love Panto and heading to Stafford Gatehouse Theatre during this festive period is something we totally enjoy doing, after attending last year’s box office smash hit Robin Hood and the Babes in the wood, we were wondering what this year’s show was going to offer us. The show will be the seventh consecutive rock ‘n’ roll panto at the Gatehouse Theatre and will run until the 6th January. In a gist, the panto provides a hilarious version of the traditional tale with a rock ‘n’ rolling rollercoaster of an adventure story with Dick Whittington and his trusty friend Tabby the cat dance and sing their way through London in search of fame, fortune, and Rock ‘n’ Roll, while attempting to outwit the evil King Rat and catch the eye of beautiful Alice.

What we thought

What was great about this Panto was the fact that it actually had a proper story that worked and followed through – I am no Panto expert and the few that I have ever been to I have never been overly taken by.  The narratives seem so broken up with the Dames often taking over and not really being clearly part of the story – however, this Panto was something else!

I’ve never been to a Panto with such a multi-talented cast. The cast plays the keyboard, drums, flute, trumpet, saxophone and guitar, as well as act and dance! The set is also super impressive with loads of detailed paintwork and layers. You go from above ground in the town of London right down into the sewers!

The Dame played by Peter Manchester, was brilliant as she was totally a part of the story and not a novelty addition to the performance. It worked so well as she cracked jokes and had good audience interaction. The other characters included Alice who was the main female played by Laura Sillet and the role of Dick Whittington was played by Max Runham, both had great singing voices.

The character of the Town Mayor was played by Spanish Actor Jofre Alsina who you would never know wasn’t from aristocratic London! Each of the characters, as in a lot of Pantos, had their time to shine, and other characters including the Revolting Rat King Rat played by Tomas Wolstenholme, Tabby cat, his arch enemy and Dick Whittington’s trusty companion!! Played by CiCi Howells (who was a favourite of my daughter – she also loved the Dame because of how funny she was), and Billy Bungalow, played by Guy Freeman who is a comic character who would like to win the affection of the lead Alice – I thought he was hilarious and got some of the biggest laughs on stage. And not forgetting the final three characters, the traditional or not so traditional Panto fairy – called Fairy Bow Bells, played by Lana Walker and two crucial musical characters Rat Scurvy, Mike Sadler and Rat Smallpox, Patrick Burbridge. All in all it was a fantastic night, our children loved it! They were so keen not to miss anything that every toilet break during the performance involved running!! And as adults the Panto was filled with great innuendo that bypassed the children completely but had the adults looking at each other in hysterics. The music for me really made it a different kind of Panto and I actually loved it and not being a traditional Panto lover I could actually see myself looking out next year for another one like this.

Stafford Gatehouse is a beautiful Victorian building and has such character, however, unfortunately, the inside has been modernised and it seems like none of the original Victorian features have been maintained. That being said the Theatre is really well laid out and it has a cosy and personal feel to it, you aren’t too far from the stage and you can really feel part of the performance. The seats are comfortable too, which is a real plus for me due to my fidgety nature! Other plus sides to the venue are that the staff are super friendly and the drinks and snacks don’t appear to be overpriced, which is a plus when out with all the family.

If you want to get yourself over to Stafford which is a lovely town and see this Panto, its on until the 6th January 2019, and at £66 for a family ticket is really reasonable, in comparison to many other Pantos available at the moment. On top of that the acting, music and singing is top class too!!

Cast Details

When is Dick Whittington Showing?

The show opened on Friday, 7 December 2018 and run until Sunday, 6 January 2019 with show timings on their website.

How much are the tickets and how do I book them?

Adult £20.00, Concession £15.50, Family Ticket £66 There will also be a few adults-only performances (19 December, 2 and 3rd January 2019). Tickets £17.50.

How can I book the panto tickets?

Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting their website here.

Where is Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?

Stafford Gatehouse is an old Victorian theatre for professional and amateur shows, including Shakespeare and children’s plays. In 2007, the Borough Hall was reopened as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20 June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LT
Tel: 01785 619080

You may also want to read this:

Review: The Wind In The Willows at the New Vic Theatre

Robin Hood showcases as the Pantomime this year at The Regent Theatre

The Snowman is coming to Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent

Magical Wedgwood Christmas

Review by : Lex Ward

*We were given tickets to watch the show. All opinions are our own