Five stars

Theatre review, Dick Whittington, Paignton Pantomime Productions, Palace Theatre, Paignton.

THIS is how all pantomimes should be. Get yourself a very strong cast, spend more than you should on sets, costume and royalties, then use the skills of a potent production team to a build on a already enviable reputation.

Hey presto, you pack out a theatre with smiles all around. These guys at PPP know how to deliver because they’ve tried and tested, inspired and entertained since 1935. Many of the jokes, in fact, have been in near constant use. Last time I was involved with a  Paignton Pantomime Production was when I was in it.

It was some 19 years ago (it looks even worse now in print). I was told then that the only difference in attitude between a professional and amateur production should be that you don’t get paid.

It is something that has stuck with me, but something PPP have brought to fruition. For value for money and all round entertainment as a package — this is the 2011 Christmas show for me.

Rich Brindley came across as a very strong Dick W, the drama degree at Exeter seemingly paying great dividends. I liked Michael Chenery’s refreshing take on Idle Jack, in’nit, with Sam Tyler milking Tommy the Cat character for all its worth. I’d love to be a fly on the wall of Colin and Rae Gilderthorp’s home, if their lives are anything like their on stage partnership. What a fantastically well suited duo.

The same should be said for Ami Martin as a very tuneful Fairy Bowbells and convincing Andrew Prowse as King Rat. Along with Chris Mitchell as Dame Dolly Dumpling and Lauren Poveda as Alice the strong leads were backed by a great chorus who had been drilled to an inch of their lives.

Content wise it was a hoot. The political satire was great, a good Gordon Oliver joke never fails to raise a smile. The music brought the show right up to date, in a Radio 2 play list kind of way. The odd kinks will have worked themselves out by now, leaving the cast just to enjoy all their hard work. It’s £38,000 well spent in my book.

Dick Whittington plays until January 2.

JONPAUL HEDGE