Iain Lauchlan Celebrates his 30th Consecutive Panto with Dick Whittington

Iain Lauchlan as Dame Sarah the Cook. Photo by Nicola Young Photography.

Dick Whittington written and directed by Iain Lauchlan, Belgrade Theatre, Wednesday 20 November 2024 - Saturday 4 January 2025.

Review by Ashley Hayward.

With so much misery and bad news in the world at present I found it therapeutic and uplifting to leave it all behind and enjoy a traditional pantomime delivered with immense enthusiasm by a highly talented cast.

I know that a visit to the annual Belgrade panto is a family tradition for many and this one certainly won’t disappoint them.

Craig Hollingsworth as Idle Jack. Photo Nicola Young Photography.

The acting, singing and dancing were all top class and there were plenty of jokes, situations and innuendos to appeal to both children and adults. The costumes were highly colourful and imaginative and there was no shortage of clever special effects.

Iain Lauchlan led the way as the Dame, Sarah the Cook, and played it with considerable gusto forming a superb partnership with the excellent Craig Hollingsworth as the downtrodden Idle Jack.

Lois Brook as Dick Whittington. Photo Nicola Young Photography.

Andy Hockley impressed as the baddy – the disgustingly obnoxious King Rat who the audience loved to hate and was very well supported by the energetic ‘Scratch’ enthusiastically performed by Aonghas Ewen.

Lois Brook made a splendid Dick Whittington, the Principal Boy, and was ably assisted by Sam Woods as the cat (played very much as a ‘cat with attitude’!)

Aonghas Ewen as Scratch and Andy Hockley as King Rat. Photo Nicola Young Photography.

Other members of the cast show their versatility by playing a number of parts and top marks must be given to the amazingly talented ensemble many of whom were young children who were all faultless and incredibly energetic.

Mention must also be made of ‘Dean’ a person who I would guess will never sit on the front row at a panto again as he found himself invited on to the stage to reluctantly play the role of a superhero called ‘Ratman’!

Gabriela Harris as Fairy Bowbells. Photo Nicola Young Photography.

The sets were very elaborate as we were transported to and from such diverse places as the sewers beneath London, the deck of a ship, the seabed, the docks, the dungeon of a palace and the Guildhall in London.

One nice touch was made during the glittering finale when Iain Lauchlan was rewarded for his 30th consecutive year with the Belgrade pantomime. Not only did Iain play the Dame in 2024 but he also wrote the script and directed the whole production. His inventive script remains loyal to the rags to riches story of a young man from a deprived background who rose to become the Lord Mayor of London.

Sam Woods as Tommy the Cat. Photo Nicola Young Photography.

Dick is portrayed as someone who manages to persevere and overcome difficulties whilst remaining loyal, honest and humble. Wouldn’t it be nice if some of our 20th century political leaders were able to display more of these qualities?

For tickets call the Box Office on 02476 553055 or visit: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/dick-whittington/