Dick Whittington at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
15 December 2018 to 6 January 2019
Reviewed by Emma Booth
Me and my family had a real treat when we went to this year’s panto at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.
Dick Whittington, this year’s panto, is full of top-notch names with the likes of Steve McFadden, Joe McElderry, Bobby Davro, Sheila Ferguson and Suzanne Shaw. They tell the well-known tale of Dick Whittington in full panto style with fabulous lighting, bold bright colours, laughs a minute and hilarious humour keeping the whole family entertained from start to finish.
Steve McFadden is perfect as this year’s baddie King Rat, my kids love the humongous rat that came on stage, it was a real showstopper even though it did scare my little boy at first.
This year’s panto dame was played by Andrew Ryan who was so funny and had the one-liners down to a T with spot-on timing.
For me the one who made the show was Bobby Davro, he put his heart and soul into his performance as Idle Jack, he was so naturally funny – he was made for panto. The standing ovation at the end almost brought him to tears but with all the hard work everyone puts in and the performance they gave, everyone whole heartedly deserves that standing ovation 100%.
Joe McElderry treated us to some perfect vocal performances and showed how multitalented he is. I loved it when they all performed the 12 days of Christmas in full panto style and Joe McElderry could barely contain himself with laughter, he was laughing so much we all laughed with him – it was contagious.
Suzanne Shaw’s best bit by far was an accidental slip doing a song and I’ve never heard, the audience laughed so much as the improvisation was brilliant.
Also, last but not least, not forgetting Sheila Ferguson as the Spirit of the Bells, she completed the five-star line-up with another unforgettable performance making this panto one of the best I’ve seen.
We all had such an amazing night; the time just flew by. I can’t recommend this panto enough, it is a definite must see.
The show is about 2 hours 20 minutes with a 20 minute interval.
This was another unforgettable night out at the theatre.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15 to £39.50 (booking fees may apply).
Dick Whittington is at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 15 December 2018 to 6 January 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call the box office on 02380 711811.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811