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Category Archives: Blog
Review in Slap Mag
Thanks to Andy O’hare for this review.
Dick Whittington (script by Chris Bennion)
Norton Theatre Group|10-12 January 2019
Not sure whether it’s me getting older or more probably sillier but I did enjoy another seasonal offering of slapstick, gratuitous overacting, singalong ditties, dodgy in-jokes and the traditional audience involvement at Norton Theatre Group’s production of Dick Whittington. It’s one of the few pantos based on a real-life story, but in this case only providing a minimal framework for Chris Bennion’s wacky and often off-beat script – always a good sign!! The real-life Dick Whittington was from Gloucester, so we start at his mother’s decidedly dubious cafe in the docks with its one- dimensional murine-based menu. Sarah Floenza Barbarella Gertrude Whittington (Paul Jones) is very proud of her son (Rob Milner) who aims to impress his sweetheart Alice (Rebecca Smith) by becoming Mayor of London. Sadly his plans are foiled by the evil power-crazy King Rat (Vicky Blake) who concocts a flurry of fake news in the gutter press to smear the innocent Dick, plans an unsubtle ballot-box-stuffing campaign (sounds familiar?) and finally recruits her, sorry his Rat sidekicks Deano, Franky and Sammy (Chris Daly, Sarah Bennion and Yvonne Ralphs) to shanghai Dick and spirit him overseas aboard Captain McSplash’s (Carl Ives) leaky lugger.
Not looking promising at this time for our hero, but the tale departs even further from the traditional as the boat founders and the occupants are improbably washed up three miles from Las V9egas where naturally Elvis himself (Michael Fox) is the first person they meet! Dick shows his mettle by foiling the Rats’ attempt to rob The King’s casino with the help of his cat Shadow (Jake Hurley) – so Elvis rewards him with a wadge of greenbacks and the use of his yacht to return to London – bear with me on this…King Rat is persuaded to apologise for the printed slurs and a nail-biting election comes down to the casting vote of the Rat sidekicks who repay their boss’s ill-treatment and niggardly wages settlement by voting for Dick to be Lord Mayor – well he did give them cheese to eat after all…
Probably not therefore a tale for the historical purist – but a thoroughly chucklesome offering with
plenty of humour for the kids and not-so-young in equal measures
from the pen of Mr Moldiwarts himself!
AOH (so-sue-me@live.co.uk)
MEET THE CAST – CAPTAIN TIBERIUS BLACKTOOTH McSPLASH
Hi, I”m Carl. I joined NTG six years ago just for a bit of fun and now find myself strangely addicted to taking part.
It has been a lot of fun and along the way I’ve had two wives, been a dad, a monk and a pirate.
Taking part with my daughters since they joined has been truly special.
This year we have another cracking script and I am looking forward to what looks set to be my suitable part yet, although I am still unsure about the love interest.
(Pics by Mark Wakefield)
Norton Theatre Group presents
Dick Whittington
10-12
January 2019 at Norton Parish Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
01905 820459 / tickets@nortontheatregroup.co.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nortontheatregroup
Or from The Coffee Shop at Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth.
MEET THE CAST – VILLAGER / CHORUS / SAILOR
I’m Poppy and this is my first year with Norton. I enjoy many things including Baking, singing, playing guitar and I love old musicals.
I wanted to join the panto this year to make new friends and gain confidence.
(Pics by Mark Wakefield)
Norton Theatre Group presents
Dick Whittington
10-12
January 2019 at Norton Parish Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
01905 820459 / tickets@nortontheatregroup.co.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nortontheatregroup
Or from The Coffee Shop at Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth.
MEET THE CAST – ELVIS
Hey, I’m Michael and this is my second year at Norton. My first role was as Captain Hook in Peter Pan. This is a little different. I’m playing Elvis.
When I am not doing Panto I am a member of Worcester vocal group Colla Voca along with Laura (Azura), Jo (Director & Joey The Rat) and Sarah (Franky The Rat). Norton has a great bunch of people and so talented. I love being part of the group and the scripts are traditional, 
but with a hilariously modern twist. You’ll love it.
(pictures courtesy of Mark Wakefield)
Norton Theatre Group presents
Dick Whittington
10-12 January 2019 at Norton Parish Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
01905 820459 / tickets@nortontheatregroup.co.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nortontheatregroup
Or from The Coffee Shop at Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth.
MEET THE CAST – AZURA
I’m Laura Moss and I’m playing Azura, the evil witch, adviser to King Rat.
I’ve played Cinderella and Tigerlilly in previous panto’s with Norton Theatre Group, and I enjoy doing musicals at the Swan Theatre with WODS and also in local vocal group Colla Voca.
I love singing and performing and adore doing shows! I’m very excited about playing a villain and I’ve been perfecting my eeeeevil cackle!
(Pics by Mark Wakefield)
Norton Theatre Group presents
Dick Whittington
10-12
January 2019 at Norton Parish Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
01905 820459 / tickets@nortontheatregroup.co.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nortontheatregroup
Or from The Coffee Shop at Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth.
MEET THE CAST – VILLAGER / SAILOR / CHORUS
Hi, I’m Ebony Milner and this is my third pantomime.
In previous shows I’ve been a part of the chorus but this year I’ve got 2 speaking roles as a villager and a sailor. I’m very excited to finally have a speaking role because I love acting singing and dancing.
I’m 10 years old and look forward to doing many more shows
(pictures courtesy of Mark Wakefield)
Norton Theatre Group presents
Dick Whittington
10-12 January 2019 at Norton Parish Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
01905 820459 / tickets@nortontheatregroup.co.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nortontheatregroup
Or from The Coffee Shop at Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth.
MEET THE CAST – MICKY MACKEREL McSPLASH
Hiya, I’m Nicole, I’m 15 and I’m playing Mickey Mackerel McSplash, one of the captain’s nephews.
I enjoy doing athletics and Parkrun when I’m not rehearsing for panto. This is my 6th year with Norton Theatre Group and in previous years I’ve played a trainee witch Wizzy in Camelot and Michael Darling in Peter Pan.
This year I am looking forward to having lots of fun with all the crew and cast members again.
(pictures courtesy of Mark Wakefield)
Norton Theatre Group presents
Dick Whittington
10-12 January 2019 at Norton Parish Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
01905 820459 / tickets@nortontheatregroup.co.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nortontheatregroup
Or from The Coffee Shop at Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth.
MEET THE CAST – DEANO THE RAT
Hello, my name is Christine. Five years ago I joined the Panto Group as a tea lady. After 
watching everyone in Beauty & The Beast
I was asked if I would like to be in the next production, and I have not looked back.
This is my 4th panto and I’ve made many friends. You are never too old to have fun.
(pictures courtesy of Mark Wakefield)
Norton Theatre Group presents
Dick Whittington
10-12 January 2019 at Norton Parish Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
01905 820459 / tickets@nortontheatregroup.co.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nortontheatregroup
Or from The Coffee Shop at Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth.
MEET THE CAST – SARAH FLOENZA BARBERELLA GERTRUDE WHITTINGTON
Hi, I’m Paul and I play the Dame, Sarah Whittington, Dicks mother.
I have been the playing the role of the Dame since about 10 years (a fact that is made into a joke in this years script) , but I have been with Norton since 1996.
I love this theatre group and love being the Dame. The cast and crew of Norton are such a wonderful bunch. We have great fun. Its hard work, but when it all comes together its fabulous.
(pictures courtesy of Mark Wakefield)
Norton Theatre Group presents
Dick Whittington
10-12 January 2019 at Norton Parish Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
01905 820459 / tickets@nortontheatregroup.co.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nortontheatregroup
Or from The Coffee Shop at Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth.
Norton Theatre Group 