The last and only time the Watlington Players performed the pantomime Dick Whittington was many years ago and in fact in the old Village Hall, affectionately known as The Black Hut. Therefore, when I was asked to direct this year s pantomime I thought Dick Whittington would be a good choice as it is not often seen. I am glad to say that I believe my choice was the right one as this version has all the usual ingredients one expects in a traditional pantomime. Also the cast and crew have really excelled themselves and produced a show which I believe lives up to the standard you all expect. This year we are happy to support the Cats Protection as our chosen charity. It seemed a purrfect fit! Cats Protection is the UK's largest feline welfare charity and Downham Market Adoption Centre is one of 30 centres. For more information please visit their website: http://www.downhammarket.cats.org.uk. It has been a real pleasure to work with this dedicated and enthusiastic cast and crew and I hope their enjoyment of performing spreads to you and that you have an enjoyable and entertaining experience. So sit back, relax and enjoy Mike Cooke
King Rat is threatening to take over London. Only the penniless but brave Dick Whittington and his trusty feline sidekick, Tiddles, can stop the rodent s quest for domination! Aided by the magic of a very cockney Spirit of London, the more down to earth and questionable help of his mother, Dame Sarah, and his loyal but brainless pal, Barrow Boy Billy, Dick s adventure takes him from the East End of London to distant tropical shores before the final showdown with the villainous King Rat and his henchrats, Nip and Tuck! Along the way he attempts to win the hand of the lovely Alice, daughter of the bumbling Alderman Fitzwarren and foil the plot of the mysterious, piratical Long John Tin Foil. Will our hero triumph over these adversities, become Lord Mayor and live happily ever after? Act One - Prologue Scene One A London Street, outside the Mean Vic Tavern Scene Two A street, elsewhere in London Scene Three Inside the Mean Vic Tavern Scene Four A street, elsewhere in London Scene Five Inside the Mean Vic Tavern Scene Six The outskirts of London Scene Seven The Docks INTERVAL (Drinks, coffee and refreshments will be available) Act Two Prologue Scene One On the Deck of the ship Scene Two On the way to the island Scene Three The Desert Island Scene Four Elsewhere on the island Scene Five A London Street, outside the Mean Vic Tavern Scene Six A street, elsewhere in London Scene Seven A London street, outside the Mean Vic Tavern
Dick Alice Dame Sarah Alderman Fitzwarren Spirit of London Barrow Boy Billy Tiddles the Cat King Rat Nip Tuck Long John Tin Foil Rat Soldiers Londoners Pirates Dancing Pirates Native Girls Amy Thorpe Georgia Steer Tom Powell Steve Brooks Julie Long Sam Lord Rebecca Field David Brammer Georgia Smith Debbie Bennett Allan Lord Cerys Brooks, Ellie Marshall, Abby Gosling, Imogen Crown, Madi Long Leslie Judd, Jenny Baxter, Hugh Pearce, Kia Long, Adrian Baxter, Jane Pearce, Irene Whitehouse, Tiggie Ellison, Lucy Bearpark, Mandi Field, Chloe Fennell, Lizie Spavin, Bertie Ellison, Sam Thorpe, Cameron Lewis Adrian Baxter, Hugh Pearce, Leslie Judd, Bertie Ellison, Sam Thorpe, Cameron Lewis Kia Long, Mandi Field, Jane Pearce Jenny Baxter, Jane Pearce, Irene Whitehouse, Kia Long, Tiggie Ellison, Lucy Bearpark, Mandi Field, Chloe Fennell, Lizie Spavin Native Bertie Ellison
Director Choreographer Musical Director Costumes Makeup Backstage Crew Mike Cooke Penny Cooke Kate Mould Judy Parsons Jenny Lewis Richard Bennett, Matt Kerslake, Mark Girdwood, Daniel Mycock Lighting and Sound Barry Ayres Set Painting Set Construction Props Props Manager Fight Coach Front of House Refreshments Bar Box Office Publicity Photography Band Hugh Pearce, John Twine Chris Scott, Richard Bennett Margaret Mould, Judy Parsons John Twine Steve Brooks Cyril Pike and members and friends of the Society Watlington WI Nerys Brooks Debbie Bennett Megan Abbott Richard Bennett Kate Mould Piano Saxophone Mike Cooke Bass Geoff Scullard Drums Colin and Paul Mason