Dick Whittington

RICHARD PARR

> Fakenham Community Centre

Dick Whittington turned again and found himself and his cat on board ship and in a Sultan's palace in this fresh interpretation of the famous pantomime.

The award-winning Fakenham District Light Operatic Society lived up to its reputation for high quality, and director Chrissie Roberston's first-night production on Tuesday was a wonderfully colourful pre-Christmas cracker, notable for its originality.

All the traditional ingredients were there, including slick dancing routines and comedy, but with some effective novel touches - an exploding cake, a clever take-off of Titanic and some comic capers.

Ben Francis almost stole the show as the dame (Sarah the Cook), reminiscent of comedian Julian Clary, as he minced across the stage in some outrageous costumes.

His pairing with Bosun Bowleg, a wonderful performance by Russell Beveridge, was a

delight.

The other comic duo were Grant Harrison as I, and Jackie Overson as Spy, who were hilarious, even ending up as a pantomime camel . . .

There were some notable other roles including Lorraine George as Esmeralda, playing opposite the excellent Paul Fawcett as King Rat.

Paula Tuck was well cast in the principal boy title role, playing opposite April Nash as Alice

Angie Mansell was a hoot as Miss Peabody and Richard Tree was well cast as Alderman Fitz-warren.

t The panto runs until Saturday December 10 at 7.30pm. There is a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £7/£8 (under 16s £5).