Panto panache from budding young thespians

THE talented Catkids Theatre For Kids delivered a show-stopping take on one of the nation’s favourite pantomimes at Thame Players theatre, as their action-packed edition of Dick Whittington sold out all three performances over one, magical weekend.

Showing no little stamina to maintain such a high quality – with two shows on the Saturday (January 14) following Friday night’s opener – the young actors delivered a hugely entertaining night out with energetic dance routines, rousing songs, fast-paced action and a stream of big laughs. Every time a sweet dose of cute was required, on came King Rat with his endearing band of loyal little rats to beguile the audience with their own interpretation of tap dance and musical hall mayhem.

Every section of the performance added to the overall joy – Dick Whittington herself – sorry, himself – driving the narrative, the sailor crew providing big musical numbers and niftily staged slapstick, the commoners adding to the mix in dance and song and Catkids very own pantomime Dame supplying the tongue in cheek bawdiness along with her support crew. And never can we have seen a more laid back tropical island king – dispensing one-liners with panache while virtually horizontal in his deckchair and flip flops.

Having been provided with a delightful script, the ensemble relished doing full justice to the words and music.

As the performance reached its finale with an audience singalong, the director and stage crew earned their own huge round of applause for providing the perfect setting for these budding and talented entertainers.

From one member of a truly satisfied audience – thanks for a great night at the theatre Catkids!

SOURCE: Contributed