Dick Whittington
Joanna Hughes (Director), Ben Thompson( Musical Director) and Kirsty Purvis (Choreography) are proud to present a new version of Dick Whittington written by Damian Trasler, David Lovesy and Steve Clark. TLC Creative 2004.
A new version of the classic tale, brimming with comedy, slapstick and everything you would want and expect from a traditional family pantomime and of course plenty to keep the audience cheering and booing along!
Plot
King Rat is threatening to take over London
Aided by the magic of a very cockney Spirit of London, the more down to earth and questionable “help” of his mother, Dame Sarah, and his loyal but brainless pal, “Barrow Boy” Billy, Dick’s adventure takes him from the East End of London to distant tropical shores before the final showdown with the villainous King Rat and his henchrats, Nip and Tuck!
Along the way he attempts to win the hand of the lovely Alice, daughter of bumbling Alderman Fitzwarren and foil the plot of the mysterious, piratical Long John Tinfoil.
Will our hero triumph over these adversities, become Lord Mayor and live happily ever after?
Character List
Dick Whittington Male/Female
The hero. A young lad/girl with a heart of gold, seeking fortune.
Song: Proud Mary (Glee Version)
The leading female and love interest. Daughter of Alderman Fitzwarren and the apple of his eye. Also the object of Dick’s desires. Quite resourceful and feisty!
Song: The Tide Is High (Atomic Kitten Version)
Dame Sarah Male
Dick’s Mother. The traditional Pantomime Dame. Claims to have culinary expertise.
Song: 9 Till 5 (Dolly Parton Version)
Alderman Fitzwarren Male
A rather foolish and muddled fellow. A London businessman and father of Alice
The Spirit of London
The “good” supernatural element. Speaks in cockney rhyming slang. A true Londoner from the East End . (Imagine Big Mo from Eastenders).
Song: Lean on Me (Glee Version)
Barrow Boy Billy Male/Female
The Simple Simon/ link character. A well intentioned fool and total berk!
Song: Proud Mary (Glee Version)
Tiddles the Cat Female
The feline hero of the story. Bright, quick thinking and with probably more brains than the others put together!
King/Queen Rat Male/Female
The evil baddie. A rodent plotting grand plans of megalomania!
Song: I Want it All (We Will Rock You Version)
Nip Male/Female One of King Rat’s henchmen. A rather dim witted accomplice. One half of the comedy double act with his associate Tuck.
Song: Duet to be arranged
Tuck Male/Female
The second of King Rat’s henchmen. Even more dim witted than the first. The other half of the comedy double act with his associate Nip.
Song: Duet to be arranged
Long John Tin Foil Male
A pirate captain who is not as bad as he first appears. (Imagine Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean ).
Song: Rock the Boat (Hues Corporation Version)
Chorus (Adults and Children)
Townsfolk, Pirates, Rats, Natives etc. The script includes a number of speaking parts and plenty of chorus lines that can be shared out. Also, solo’s in musical numbers will be shared out.
Song for audition: You Can’t Stop the Beat.
On 29th April you are all invited to come down the theatre 7.30pm (Main Auditorium) read the script and take away audition pieces of the parts that excite you. I will also be there to teach dance moves to the numbers in the show. I urge as many of you to come to the theatre and have some fun, fun, fun.
Audition Dates:
Sunday 15th May from 12.00 Noon onwards.
Monday 16th May from 7.30pm onwards.
Tuesday 17th May from 7.30pm onwards.
A levy of £15 will be required from cast members which will contribute towards the costumes. A polo shirt will also be included in this price which will be arranged by Vivienne Bull.
Dates of performances:
January, 12th, 13th, 14th (with matinee)
19th, 20th, 21st (with matinee)
26th, 27th, 28th (with matinee) and 29th Sunday show.
Baden Powell night usually takes place during the middle of a “Run”. However, this has been changed to “Opening Night” and the time has been changed to a 7.00pm performance instead of the usual time of 7.30pm. Therefore, the cast will need to be at the theatre earlier in this instance.
Membership MUST be paid by the first rehearsal in September.
Rehearsals will take place every (Monday and Wednesday evenings) from 7.30pm whether every cast member is there or not. Rehearsals WILL start at 7.30pm promptly.
Ben and I would like to say to everyone who auditions “Break a leg”. Come brimming with confidence and show us your WOW factor.
Let’s make this the best Pantomime and one to remember.
Good Luck everybody
Joanna Hughes (Director)
