Dick Whittington and his Cat

RICHARD PARR

> Hamonds High School, Swaffham

In this fresh interpretation of the familiar pantomime story, the Swaffham Players take audiences from London's East End across the stormy seas to a sultan's palace in the Far East.

Brian Hubbard's production is a fast-paced romp with the usual panto ingredients of song, dance, comedy, and corny jokes serving up a post-Christmas treat at Wednesday evening's performance.

Chris Dilley, with his confident stage presence and fine strong voice, was perfectly cast in the title role, playing opposite the charming Sara Large, in the role of Alice.

The story was told against some colourful backdrops and interspersed with some breezy musical numbers, including You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile, The Lambeth Walk, The Pirate King from Gilbert and Sullivan and the Ave Maria Wedding Song.

Former town crier Eddie Godden was well cast as the dame (Sara the Cook) and he showed off his ample figure to full view in his belly dancer's outfit (we should have been warned in advance!).

His more traditional costumes were suitably outlandish and I loved his Kew Gardens hat.

There was plenty of lively cat and rat chases (played by Liam Hurren and Spencer Snape) through the auditorium, adding to the interest.