Dick Whittington and His Cat

Perth has experienced some charming pantomimes recently, and Roleystone Theatre’s Dick Whittington and His Cat is a lovely show which embodies community spirit and goodwill.

The show is simply set, relying mostly on some good portable pieces. This is to be expected when this company needs to completely bump out between most performances, but there isn’t much room for a set when there is a cast of 44 anyway! This show has lots of opportunities for many of the cast to shine, and some great costuming by Jo Padgett, makeup designed by Yvette Drager Wetherilt, and projections set the time and places well, with lots of atmosphere from Stephen Carr’s lighting design.

The title roles are nicely inhabited by Alex Thorburn, making a community theatre debut as a thigh slapping Dick Whittington, and Isabelle Carr, clever and confident as Tommy the Cat, and only 12 years old.

One of the most impressive performances comes from Lilly-Anne Burns as Idle Jack, who has the audience in the palm of her hand, and is excellent throughout. Jack’s mother, usually a Dame role, is very well played by Lilly-Anne’s real-life mother Sonja Reynolds, and (perhaps unsurprisingly) they have excellent camaraderie. Jack is the 3rd part of a love triangle between Dick and principal girl Alice Warren, played with beautiful vocals by Kate Davoren. Kate’s father Alderman Warren is nicely created by Royce Newall.

There’s some dastardly villains. Brad Towton clearly relishes being the bad guy as King Rat, supported by Evan and Phil Bialas as Itchy and Scratchy, comedically inept henchmen, and a pile of lovely ratlings, kept in line by Captain, Bailey O’Hehir.

The villains are balanced by some fantastic fairies. Courtney Hough is a delightful Fairy Bowbells, nicely supported by gorgeous fairies in training, Ashlee Graveson (6) and Evie Carr (4). Her companion, Fairy Sheila, was played with great style by Chris Alvaro, an audience favourite - and the role could have been written for him.  Chris was a very late replacement as original Sheila - Kaelene McKay had to escort a giraffe to New Zealand (Oh yes she did), and will return for the second week of the run.

One of the highlights was the dream ballet, sung beautifully by Niamh O’Hehir, and beautifully danced - especially the pas de deux - by Ruby Watts and Ava Brady, choreographed by Skye McLean. The large ensemble are kept very busy throughout, with lots of changes of character, and execute Sonja Reynolds choreography well.

Special mentions also to Town Crier, veteran performer Kim Fletcher, and The Sultan of Morocco, Trevor Graveson in his very first stage role.

Music Director Natalee Graveson leads a four member band, tucked in behind the wings.

Lots of audience participation and a lovely atmosphere - with the cabaret searing adding to the celebratory feel. Great fun for all ages.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Zyg Woltersdorf