Dick for Christmas

Kitty Says:

The London Palladium score with this genuinely delightful and hysterically funny romp, complete with Julian Clary doing a Titanic bit, huge set pieces and plenty of bawdy humour.

The second year of Qdos Entertainment's blockbuster Pantos, Dick Whittington is a real treat for those who've missed having this classic artform in the capital.

Gathering a fantastic cast that includes Dame Elaine Paige, Julian Clary, and soon-to-be Broadway star Charlie Stemp (Half a Sixpence), they've made more than a little magic to keep you grinning after another crazy year. Clary excels as the Spirit of the Bells, his caustic humour and increasingly more outlandish costumes even making his fellow cast members unable to suppress a giggle, as Paige hams it up as Queen Rat, parodying some her most famous parts in song. As for Stemp, he's a fine Dick, showing of his enviable dancing talents (he is Gene Kelly reborn!)

As usual for a Panto, there's little to no plot, but there's plenty more to see and do, with the supporting cast and chorus lending a many hilarious a hand. If you're looking to smile, shout, boo, hiss and holler, don't miss Dick. My face still hurts from laughing!

Scarlet Says:

Dick Whittington has everything you'd want from an all-star pantomime, and the London Palladium is the perfect venue for it to be held in. If you weren't wanting to sing 'Come on Eileen' at the top of your lungs then you must have been in the wrong place! Though you'd be forgiven for thinking that Lukus Alexander, who played Eileen, was a cat in a previous life. This charming Panto production will make you spend the majority of the show laughing and the other appreciating how much hard work and energy goes into something as flamboyant as this. Nigel Havers notifies the audience (whilst deep in a hilarious scene) that they do two shows a day - six days a week, however this is never shown by any member of the company and instead they all look like they're having the time of their lives.

Gary Wilmot as Sarah the Cook bagged himself a standing ovation from some audience members after he'd finished reciting every underground station in a rendition of the 'Can Can'. Ashley Banjo (The Sultan) and Diversity's dancing was insane, but it did make you feel like you'd been transported to the Royal Variety. Paul Zerdin as Idle Jack made your inner child glow - with his audience participation and ventriloquist act with Little Jack, every joke he threw out landed and had us all howling.

Your cheeks will hurt, your feet will tap, and there will be plenty of shouting and clapping. If you're looking for a Pantomime that has everything, this is definitely it.

Dick Whittington is at the London Palladium until January 14th

View our show pages for more information about Dick Whittington, London Palladium.