We are now fully immersed into Panto season and on Friday we were invited to our second visit to Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre of the week, after attending a school carol concert on Thursday.
CBeebies and Poole pantomime legend Chris Jarvis is back, sprinkling his magic as the deliciously dazzling, Dame Dolly Doughnuts, alongside West End star Bernadette Bangura (Moulin Rouge, Hairspray) as Fairy Bowbelles, with her powerful vocals lighting up the stage and Poole’s favourite villain Sarah-Louise Young who returns as King Rat.
Dick Whittington has never been my favourite pantomime subject, but we thoroughly enjoyed this pantomime, which sped along with spectacular musical numbers, laugh out loud comedy moments and plenty of local and topical references for the audiences to get involved with.
Chris Jarvis was as amazing as ever as Dame Dolly Donuts, with plenty of his tongue in cheek innuendo, slapstick comedy moments and some dazzling costume changes – his / her lifeboat dress was a sensation. There was plenty for the kids to get involved with too – the safe combination featured the number 6-7, and one of the songs was Soda Pop from K-Pop demon hunters, so you can just imagine the kids in the audience reaction to that!
For such a small stage, the sets were brilliantly done and every inch had something to look at. The ensemble were also brilliant and King Rat’s little ratlings were super cute.
The panto may not have a big name cast, but it did feature some fabulous local talent, including former LeAF student Corben Howard Mills as Tommy the Cat, who was utterly incredible as the moonwalking, all dancing feline.
Rising star Kieran Morris was amazing as Dick Whittington, as was Isabella Kibble as Alice Fitzwarren, the spirited object of his affections. Completing the lineup was award-winning actor Robert Rees as Alice’s formidable father, Alderman Fitzwarren.
Music plays a massive part in pantoland and hats off to Adam Tuffrey, Chris Attwell and Jack Whitton for incorporating such a wide range of hits such as Let Me Entertain You, Sweet Dreams Are Made of Cheese, Can’t Stop the Feeling, and Kellerman’s Sea Shanty.
Poole Panto wouldn’t be the same without a very raucous rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas and this year was no different, albeit with a London theme. Expect flying toilet rolls, and a pigeon with a talent for spraying water into the audience.
If you want to tear your kids off their tech and introduce them to the delights of live entertainment, this pantomime is the perfect treat this festive season.
Tickets are available under 4th January at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/dick-whittington/ and cost from £16.50.
Disclaimer: We were guests of Lighthouse Poole for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
