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If you're looking for a night of laughter, enchantment, and pure entertainment, look no further than the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall’s spectacular production of Dick Whittington. Starring the dynamic duo of TV's Shane Richie and the beloved TV medic, Dr Ranj, this year's panto will have you laughing out of your seat and grinning from ear to ear. You can catch it until Sunday 14 January 2024 - so book your tickets now!
The stage comes alive with a burst of energy and colour as the talented cast perform an original song about the joy of panto. Sure to get your foot tapping no matter your age, it sets the tone for a fantastic evening. Then the star of the show, Shane Richie, takes to the stage. He is greeted by raucous applause and cheers as he steps into the lead role of Dick Whittington.
From those first steps on stage, Shane Richie has the audience eating out the palm of his hand. A natural on stage, he masterfully directs the energy of the crowd with witticisms, jokes, practical gags and, of course, the charisma you would expect from such a great casting. His credits include a wide variety of theatre and TV work, after all, including Oliver Twist, Benidorm and EastEnders.
TV’s favourite medic, Dr. Ranj, also takes to the stage as the Spirit of Bow Bells. He gets the honour of one of the best costumes in the show – or at least the shiniest! You will recognise him from ITV’s This Morning, the BAFTA award winning CBeebies series Get Well Soon and much more. He participated in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, and his dance moves certainly show his competency in this arena. We think that he has seamlessly transitioned out of the doctor's coat to the stage, revealing a flair for performance that it a joy to see. The chemistry between both Richie and Dr. Ranj was fantastic, adding an extra layer of charm to the production. From their dance battle and tongue twister routine, the moments they share the stage are some of the best.
The wider cast includes theatre darling Anne Smith as Queen Rat, who delivers a spectacular cover of Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy. Emily Beth Harrington is fantastic as Alice, Dick Whittington’s love interest, with a stunning singing voice that carries through the theatre beautifully. Ian Stuart Robertson plays our Dame, Sarah The Cook, bringing the expertise you would expect from a 40+ year career in theatre. Kenan-Lewis Smith also shines as Kitty Cat, leaping around the stage with all the energy of, well… a kitty cat!
The story is a take on the traditional Dick Whittington tale, with familiar plot beats for anyone who already knows the story. But it is the comedic skits that make up the bulk of the show. The skits are scattered throughout and showcase the impeccable comedic timing of the cast and their ability to engage the audience. The laughter echoes through the auditorium as the cast deliver witty one-liners and clever repartees, ensuring that every member of the audience, young and old, have a smile on their face. Combining music, lights, props and more, it is a master class of what is funny on the stage!
The costumes are undoubtedly one of the stand-out elements. From the elaborate ball gowns of the ensemble cast to a rat army, the attention to detail was impeccable. Each costume not only complemented the characters but also added a touch of fantasy to the overall spectacle.
The staging of the production was a true feast for the eyes. The sets seamlessly transported the audience from the bustling streets of London to an underwater landscape. The creative team behind the scenes deserves applause for their ingenuity in crafting an immersive experience that allowed the audience to escape reality and dive into the whimsical universe of Dick Whittington. There are a couple of incredible moments that will leave you wondering how did they do that? Without giving too much away, we will simply say this – you won’t be able to miss Shane Richie driving a bus or miss your meeting with the Rat Supreme!
Not only was the performance outstanding, but the venue itself added to the overall experience. The Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, with its historic charm and plush interiors, provided the perfect backdrop for this festive extravaganza. The cozy atmosphere of the venue heightened the sense of intimacy between the performers and the audience, creating a shared sense of joy and excitement. The perfect location for a festive night out for the whole family.
Whether you're a devoted panto enthusiast or a first-timer, Dick Whittington promises a night of laughter no matter your age. It will leave you with a heart full of laughter and holiday spirit.
This blog was written by Katherine Taylor, Marketing Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire. Image credits: Whitefoot Photography.
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Panto legend Shane Richie and TV personality Dr Ranj star in the pantomime paved with gold!
With over half a million visitors every year, the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham are two of the UK's most successful touring venues, leading the way for arts and entertainment in the East Midlands region.
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