Dick Whittington, Harwood Hams, Christ's Church, Harwood. Further performances on February 2 and 3 EVERY panto needs a good audience. Harwood Hams could not have asked for better than the enthusiasts who needed little encouragement to shout, sing and applaud - and occasionally interject in this traditional offering.

First-night nerves and a temperamental piece of scenery that fell over during one scene, did little to detract from the entertainment.

The dame, Sarah the Cook (Graham Worthington), proved an excellent ad libber and had a good rapport with the audience who heartily hissed the villain of the piece, Alwyn Rae as King Rat. King Rat revelled in this and was well supported by the junior dancers disguised as very energetic rats.

Animals were much in evidence. There was a pantomime horse, a mischievous monkey, well played by Richard Nightingale, and, of course, Tommy the Cat, a convincing performance by Kelly Worthington.

Val Greenghalgh as Dick Whittington and Gina James as Alice Fitzwarren were good dramatically and vocally in the lead roles.

Another fine piece of casting was Joan Jefferson as Captain Fish and his Mate Chips (Doreen Pearson),.

Hugh Brogan was a laid-back Alderman Fitzwarren, while David Wood worked hard as Idle Jack. He had to wring laughs from a script that was not too strong in that area. Any credit for the success of this version of Dick Whittington should go to the entire company who made the most of the material at their disposal. Producer and director Roy Pearson did well to manage a cast of 63 on a small stage, and those responsible for the wardrobe and scenery made a big contribution to a colourful production.

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