REVIEW by Neil SPEIGHT

BASILDON Towngate Theatre's pantomime might just present a problem for the borough council's trading standards department.

It is a bloody good show, with high standards, significant vocal talent and moments of great comedy. It's fast-paced and very, very professional. But a pantomime, it is not!

Over the past few year director and star turn Simon Fielding has moved through the gears at the Towngate, bringing professional skills and some cutting edge innovation to his stage productions.

Perhaps this year though, he has strayed too far from tradition. Dick Whittington is an entertaining musical production, laced with topical jokes and playing on its south Essex connections, but it lacks warmth, as well as some of the traditional aspects of a panto.

For example, there's no chance to shout 'he's behind you' and there's no singalong. And any great – or even good pantomime – centres on a loveable dame. Sadly Christopher Lyne, who comes for a first appearance at the Towngate with a creditable litany of acting roles, doesn't quite cut it. A few colourful wigs, some fancy frocks and a pair of lace-up boots can't cover the fact that he appears to have little heart for the role of Sarah the Cook.

And the lack of warmth and cohesion came through the whole production I saw. Admittedly it was very early in a long run but I couldn't help feeling they were going through the motions already and a couple of corpsing moments didn't disguise the fact that things don't appear to have gelled.

Coupled with that, turning a brief appearance of the good fairy into the handover her role to a bunch of kids, however talented, while actress Sophie Ladds turns into Queen Rat smacks of cost-cutting rather than creative endeavor. It's hard to boo a villainess you've just seen opening the show as goodness personified!

That shouldn't take anything away from the talents of Sophie, she is very good – or very bad – which is a credit to her ability.

Of course star of the show is Simon Fielding. He has become an iconic figure at the Towngate and there's no doubting he is a lovable, entertaining clown. However, I couldn't help feeling that this role is becoming something of a chore for him. Maybe it's time for a frock and the dame's role. I have no doubt he will be brilliant at that, his stagecraft is first class and maybe he needs a new challenge.

So, would I recommend this show? Unequivocally yes, but with caveats. It's a bit near the knuckle at times and I'm not sure there's enough slapstick for the children (and us big kids) though the 'Rocking Galley' scene is comedic genius, but it's entertaining throughout.

And principal characters and would-be lovers Alastair Hill and Madeleine Leslay as Dick Whittington and Alice Fitzwarren don't put a foot or note wrong, while Joshua Nkemdlim as the Cat is probably the production's unsung hero.

Go along with an open mind and you won't be disappointed.

And just in case you've seen it and disagree with my view, I accept there's a ying for every yang.

So here's my daughter's take on it, just a few hours before her birthday and embarking on those truculent teenage years.

Emily writes: "Dick Whittington performed in Basildon Towngate Theatre, is a great show that keeps everyone entertained.

"The cast and characters are fun and lively with jokes for all ages. Personally, the show was comical with amazing singers that brought the story to life.

"Although it could be improved like anything, it was entertaining and overall a wonderful theatrical performance that engaged and involved the audience."

So clearly opinions vary. Oh no they don't, oh yes they do – but that was another omission from tradition….

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