Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Harlow Playhouse
Cast: Rachel Rawlinson, Nathaniel Morrison, Dilara Greene, James Hilton-Foster, Grace Chapman, Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley
Join us this Christmas on a dazzling adventure at Harlow Playhouse for our 2024 Pantomime, “Dick Whittington,” starring Harlow favourites Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley.
Join Dick on his journey through panto land as he seeks fame and fortune! Facing the wicked King Rat and his rat horde threatening global chaos, Dick and friends must do all they can to save the day!
The festive season hasn't truly begun until my annual visit to the pantomime, and it's safe to say that after my third annual visit, Harlow Playhouse never disappoints. This year's offering was Dick Whittington. Not a story that first comes to mind when you think of pantomime, but it was just as fabulous as always; encapsulating the pure joy that comes with Christmas. KD Theatre Productions have perfected the balance between the traditional values of panto and keeping it appealing for newer audiences.
While Harlow pantomimes are always great for children, there's also plenty of innuendos and jokes that had all the adults in fits of laughter; most of the gags coming from Harlow pantomime regular, Ben Parsley.
The entire cast are worthy of the West End and they present many showstopping performances throughout. A particular highlight came from Queen Kiessa (Rachel Rawlinson) and Sir Rattington (Nathaniel Morrison). With Wicked-esque type lighting from Seb Blaber, the duo showcase their incredible vocals with Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun. Another standout moment was the one-liner from Jimmy Burton-Iles when his wig fell off on stage and he declared, "I've got more weave than Sigourney".
With Ben Parsley being part of Harlow pantomimes for 15 years and Jimmy Burton-Iles for 10 years, it's no wonder the pair have undeniable chemistry. Both their comedic timing and audience interaction is unmatched, and much like previous years, this dynamic duo steal the show and hold the stage with ease. The choreography from Claire Cassidy was fabulous and a mention must go to Alice Olby who regularly held my attention with her outstanding dance skills throughout.
The song choices for the evening were brilliant, and of course, an ode to musical theatre with hits from musicals such as Six the Musical, Dreamgirls and The Greatest Showman. I particularly loved the choice of Rachel Rawlinson starting with an adapted version of Ex-Wives from Six, especially as she'd recently performed in the show herself.
The costumes from James Maciver and Christopher Hardcastle were exceptional this year, and Jimmy Burton-Iles had more costume changes than I could count. Each costume was crafted with care and bedazzled in glitter...as it should be!
Once again, Harlow have created a brilliantly funny pantomime that's bursting with energy, filled with Christmas joy, and stacked with unbeatable talent. Fairytale fun for all the family.
You can book tickets to see Dick Whittington, here.
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