Yes It's that time of the year.When the Birmingham Hippodrome's long standing tradition of presenting the best, and biggest pantomime in the country is put to the test.
Let's say at the outset that whatever the critics, professional or amateur report, 'Dick Whittington' will prove to be a very popular production.
Starring Joan Collins, making her Pantomime debut at the age of 77. Nigel Havers, fresh from departing the Celebrity Jungle to escape the company of Gillian McKeith, Julian Clary, a master of one-line, not to say, cheeky quips, Keith Harris a master ventriloquist accompanied by 'Orville' and 'Cuddles plus Birmingham's own Jeffrey Holland playing Dame Felicity Fitzwarren it can hardly fail.
Add a chorus of enthusiastic talented dancers, splendid colourful sets and an audience ever willing to cheer or jeer as the occasion demands, what more need be said?
On an individual basis Julian Clary, the 'Spirit of the Bells' has the audience blinking in astonishment as he adorns the stage dressed in a variety of eye-popping costumes.
Nigel Havers is a splendid 'King Rat' and unsurprisingly had the audience laughing at his numerous references to his 'I'm a Celebrity' short lived Jungle appearance.
And what more can be said of Joan Collins' entrance as Queen Rat as she steps out of a shimmering 'Silver Globe' dressed to kill ?!
Indeed it turned out that the ex 'Dynasty' star became the focus of most interval and post show chat.
Many felt she looked out of place playing 'Queen Rat' as opposed to Alexis Carrington in the glossy American soap opera. But then bear in mind that in a pre-recorded television programme, any faltering or possible uncertainty as to the exact timing of lines can be repeated until it's faultless.
But then there is a world of difference between a Hollywood 'soap' and a British pantomime is there not?
Indeed she has a surprisingly small role although as she swings her tail she naturally demands attention!
The humour of Julian Clary (more appropriate for an all adult audience) bought roars of laughter from those who may have bought their children to see their first-ever pantomime, and those sitting in close proximity definitely fell into this category! .
But without a shadow of doubt for me the star, or should I say stars (?) of the evening, judged on the the audiences reaction, was Keith Harris.
The success or otherwise of a ventriloquist isn't hard to determine.Coming when an audience ignores the human and sits back to enjoy the repartee and quips coming from his puppets.
And in this respect it was Orville and Cuddles who went on to 'steal' the show whenever the opportunity arose.
Especially in the penultimate scene as Keith and 'Cuddles' held the audience in the palms of their hands.
As for the set designs that move effortlessly into place - congratulations to the designer. They are stunning. Climaxed in a Sultan's Palace as Dick and Alice, following a series of devious plots, finally walk down the steps to be joined in marriage.
Final verdict on Dick Whittington? It may have experienced 'teething troubles' with Joan Collins taking a 'late' first step as a pantomime leading lady but it will be surprising that if, and when, the question is asked, will it turn out be crowd puller, there will be an overwhelming response of 'OH YES IT WILL' to drown out those that say 'Oh no it won't'!
0 comments:
Post a Comment