‘Dick Whittineton’

Press, 14 October 1986, Page 4

‘Dick Whittineton’

“Dick Whittington and his Cat,” by Taura Henderson, produced by Rita Taylor for the Christchurch Theatre Workshop, at the Repertory Theatre, Kilmore Street, October 11 to 18. Running time: 7.30 p.m. to 9.50 p.m. Reviewed by Elody Rathgen. The Christchurch Theatre Workshop has a reputation for maintaining the pantomime tradition in the city. This year’s script is by a local writer, Taura Henderson, and

gives producer and cast an ideal opportunity to enjoy themselves in proper style. The plot of the well known story moves along quickly, but is a little episodic and some of the connections from scene to scene are rather loose.

In spite of some enthusiastic supporter-audience clapping, the first half moves slowly. Direction of the show in this section is too heavy-handed. Chorus groupings are static and dull. Too many of the actors are placed front on to the audience declaiming. There is no sense of an audience being drawn into the world of Dick Whittington’s London. Actors are over-articulate and fail to create the atmosphere of romance or suspense.

However, there are commendable moments in this production. Act 1 ends on a high note, with an excellent piece of choreography which is well lit. Comedy is provided by two minor characters, Alican and Alicant (Darryn Ward and Paula

The Workshop produc- Swanston), who delight tions have had a tendency the audience with some to be rather too long for hilarious dance movewhat is fundamentally ment. children’s theatre. This Act 2 moves with much one, stretching to almost greater pace, and the cast 2y 2 hours, is no exception, seems to come alive. This There are several is especially true of Dame sequences which could do Daisy, played by Vai with pruning, especially Poole,. who really comes of the dance num- Jjnto her own. Her rnovebers in Act 1. ment, fast cueing, brilliant

wigs, and audience rapport help to bring the show alive.

Some pleasant singing is heard, both solo and chorus, with Stephen Taylor and Robert Challender giving the strongest performances. This is supported by adequate acting from Anne Fortune, Ken Poole, Peter Sadler, Phillip Rickard sen., and Victoria Glausius. In' the lead role of Dick, Kate Brown is consistent and sings pleasantly. Her costumes are not particularly well chosen and do not give her freedom for relaxed movement. The role of Dick’s cat is shared by Rachael Arps and Joanne Lynch. Some lively movement is required for the role and is well executed.

The show runs smoothly with few technical hitches. It is well supported by an enjoyable musical score and pleasant orchestral work kept together by Bill Gilray. Audiences who enjoy pantomime will be glad that this theatre group keeps alive the tradition in Christchurch.