Panto Review: Dick Whittington and his Cat at Sheringham Little Theatre

This colourful and energetic production lavished a mix of traditional and contemporary charm on an appreciative Sheringham audience.

Writer and director Nick Earnshaw has once again pulled a wondrous Christmas gift from his festive sack with this hugely fun rendering of the traditional tale of poor Dick and his journey to the big city and the companions and adventures he meets on the way.

Kyle Fraser lends his trademark likeability, charm and vocal skills to the lead role of Dick Whittington, and is ably abetted by the talented Danniella Schindler (Alice Fitzwarren).

Lucy Connor portrays just the right innocent tone as trainee fairy, Bo Bells, and Kit Henson expertly snarls and grimaces her way through the piece as arch-villainess, Queen Rat. (all together now - "boooo!").

In addition to Nick Earnshaw's wonderfully exuberant performance fronting up the fun as the dame (Sally the Cook), there were two brilliantly characterised performances by Harry Williams and Rik Warren as The Cat and Jonny the Dog respectively. Both gave consistent and hilarious performances throughout and had the audience laughing from minute one.

Karen Davies's puppet-work added greatly to the fun, and once again Kirk Wills created a visual jamboree with the costumes. Peter Beck's set design was simple, appropriate and on the money, transporting the audience seamlessly from Sheringham to London on to a sea cruise to a magical land, and back again.

The seven-strong professional cast were accompanied by a community chorus of all-singing and dancing Rats and Villagers played with well-drilled verve and skill. Those appearing (on a rotation basis) during the show's run will be: Tom Bryans, Connie Harrington, Casey Harris, Holly Newman, Evie Gale, Poppy Gale, Libby Partridge, Johnny Partridge, Nicola Wright, Lewis Wright, Daisy Battrick, Amelia Hendry, Alexa Price, Delilah Hannah, Ava Whatting, Tilly Clarke, Grace Brookes, Sian Whiting, Ayrelia O'Leary, Maisy Hart, Caius Law, Attia Law, Paige Sadler-Barker, Sian Whiting, Lily Bradstock-Tye, Neve Davison, Tom Bryans, Florence Webster, Beau Jessica Hannah, and Honor Boughton.

All in all it was rollicking good fun for children, adults, and everyone in between. Everything you'd want and expect: songs, jokes, silliness, excellent choreography (Ben Woodward), snappily performed dance routines, and lots of audience interaction. Wonderful feel-good family fun.

- Dick Whittington and his Cat runs until Wednesday, January 1. Tickets available online or by telephone on 01263 822347 (Adults £21 / Under-16s £15.00 / Family £66.00).