Dick Whittington - Starstruck Theatre School

Over sixty pupils, from Starstruck Theatre School, took part in the recent production of Dick Whittington, at The Riverside, Whitworth. The pantomime was a great success, with the pupils, aged 4-18 years old, performing to a sell-out audience. Sophie Ansley gave an impressive performance as Dick Whittington, alongside Lewis Greenwood, as Tommy the Cat, who had the audience in stitches, when he began to sing in “Miaow’s”. Max Hartle stole the show as Sara the Cook, with his perfect comic timing. Natalie Greenwood was funny and delightful as Fairy Bow Bells and Chloe McMackin was suitably wicked as Queen Rat. They complemented each other during their duet ‘What Is This Feeling’, from Wicked – The Musical.

Rebecca Hardman, as Dizzy Dora and Edward Lang-Whiston, as Captain Cutlass, were both thoroughly entertaining to watch. Other strong performances included Amy Woodier as Alice Fitzwarren, Alex Holland as Alderman Fitzwarren and William Lang-Whiston as the King of Morocco. Ethan and Jacob Johnson deserve a special mention for dressing up as ‘Jedward’ for a rendition of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’.

Jody Turner, Travis Roberts and Megan Kirby worked well together in a schoolroom scene packed full of gags. Ben Maguire, as Louigi the Chef and his Assistant, Casey Howard, also brought in the laughs during the kitchen scene. Other pupils took on the roles of villagers, school children, ships crew and rats. Sponge Bob Square Pants (Dion Parker-Minchin) even made a special appearance!

It is impossible to mention everyone, but all the cast worked hard and pulled together to put on an excellent show, with many pupils given cameo roles to show off their acting talents.

January 2010