The long-held tradition of pantomime is back upon us again for this Christmas and New Year. Championing some of the best known and loved fairy tales, the magic of pantomime is loved by people of all ages. First Family Entertainment and New Wimbledon Theatre host a festive treat of panto mayhem with Dame Edna Everage making her pantomime debut. If anyone is fit for the role of panto dame, surely it’s the dame herself? Accompanying her in stag in the festive foray is Dancing on Ice champion, Sam Attwaker and Nickelodeon presenter, Anna Williamson. Dick Whittington sees the story of a young man and his cat go on a quest for fame and fortune. This rags to riches tale has all your traditional panto ingredients to make this a fantastic festive visit for you and a Wimbledon escort. A barrage of splendid songs, dazzling dance routines make this a fun filled activity. Add a handful of slapstick comedy, silly, yet entertaining and a whole lot of audience participation and you have a recipe for magic.
This panto production was written by Eric Potts (who also stars as the 2nd voluptuous Dame). As you would expect from this seasoned panto pro, Potts introduced grown-up humour and some deliberately awful gags. The elusive plot gives way (and gives chance, perhaps) for some humorous slip-ups from the Dame herself. Arguably, this comedy slip-ups are what makes the show. In pure Dame Edna sophistication, some of the gags as they are a little near the knuckle and provide a touch of adult humour, a perfect touch for when you and a London escort take a visit. Having said this, the panto still remains child friendly - the jokes are liable to go straight over their little heads. The kids seem to relish their parents laughing and enjoying themselves just much as they are.
The thin plot is evident when Dame Edna occasionally forgets her place. On one occasion she reaches out for a programme from an audience member to bring her back to place (it is likely that this is written into the script, knowing previously Potts plots). These moments, however, are much loved, appreciated and makes her (Edna) much more endearing as a pantomime Dame. Plot problems aside this panto promises festive frolics, dance numbers (despite Edna’s two left feet trip-ups). This feel good entertainment is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening with an escort in London .
Playing the Saviour of London (Dame Edna’s official panto title), her entrance doesn’t come more panto camp hen arriving on stage on board a flying chariot that descends from high above. Panto camp has long been overworked with smut and a barrage of ‘celebrity’ no-bodies with little talent. Dame Edna hits the stage with a certain star power that only an old-timer knows how. At 77, she is not at her most quick-witted, but her delivery and presence alone is still drawing in the audiences. Dame Edna Everage fans will be pleased, as she forgets her fore-mentioned character and plays herself, amusingly commenting on the charade.
Dame Edna’s rapport with the audience is 2nd to none. From her first utterance of “Hello Possums”, she’ll have you hooked. It may not be the slickest run panto, but the Dame herself makes the whole panto come to life. Dick Whittington delivers in laughs and good old fashioned festive fun.
