Dick Whittington, Mountbatten Players, The Point, Eastleigh (From Daily Echo)

Dick Whittington, Mountbatten Players, The Point, Eastleigh

9:29am Tuesday 15th January 2013 in Curtain Call By Alan Johns

PRIMARILY a fundraising venture for Countess Mountbatten House, it would be uncharitable to criticise this oftenhilarious pantomime too much.

A shaky start, with some sound and lighting problems, was quickly overcome and the laughs just kept on coming.

A clever script worked well at all levels, with enough double-entendres to amuse the mainly adult audience.

Elle Wolf, a talented actress, singer and dancer, was excellent as Dick, opposite Felicity Cooke (as Alice Fitzwarren) and their duets stole the show.

Humour came primarily from Chris Davis (Idle Jack), Paul Young (Sara the Cook) and Tom Hayes (First Mate). Ian Watts provided great support as Tommy the Cat, Abby Gibbons sparkled as Fairy, Helen Wood was a confident Captain and Daniel Farrell drew loud boos as King Rat.

Director Peter Pitcher promised “spectacular costumes, elaborate sets, exciting special effects and a professional live band”.

Did they deliver? Oh yes they did!