Dick Whittington, The Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne (From The Northern Echo)

Theatre Review: Dick Whittington, The Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne

4:37pm Tuesday 13th December 2011 in Reviews

LET’S chuck Panto Suspension of Disbelief Dust over the fact that it seems to be London on Tyne and also that there seems to be some Alpine mountains on the “London” scene-cloths.

More is needed for believing Geordie impressionist Terry Joyce is a lass (the worst drag performance since my pet dog ate a lipgloss).

Written and directed by Brendan Healy, the actual story has been pretty much chucked in the recycling. It’s Bow Bells out, slinky rats and a Geordie lass-cat in.

The first half meanders into a “Heck, we’re on!” affair of protracted comedy routines, which just about keep everyone entertained.

It’s the ladies who really add the 24-carat effect with Jayne Mackenzie a gloriously glamorous Queen Rat with a fully blinged voice, a feisty, quirky Alice Fitzwarren (Samantha Phyllis Morris) and cast choreographer Emily Swan (ex-member of the Tyne Theatre Stage School) turning fab feline with Moggy the Cat.

After the interval there is a wonderful version of Blue Moon – where Maxie and Mitch sing their stripey socks off along with the minimal, but talented, band and a selection of jovial monsters.

The repeated “Go Compare” lost its novelty value after about ten seconds, but there are some fine songs.

But after a bit of minor surgery (this was, after all, the first performance), this solid team will be serving up panto gold for North-East audiences from now until the New Year.

• Until Monday, January 2.

Tickets from 0844-493-9999 or thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk

Sarah Scott