Dick Whittington At New Wimbledon Theatre

I have seen a few Pantos in my time and I think Wimbledon is on to a winner with this version of Dick Whitington.

There is enough of the traditional Panto  recipe to satisfy the children. Anna Williamson makes a pretty Alice and Sam Attwater looks the part as the romantic lead and he sings well. There was some confusion over having two dames but due to the difference in styles Eric Potts, as Sarah the Cook, and Dame Edna do just enough to get away with it. Barry Humphries struts his stuff and keeps the grown ups amused and entertained with fairly non traditional stand up comedy in his usual style.

The cookery scene was my only disappointment a scene I always loved as a kid but it was all a very safe and none messy. The settings were brilliant - full of colour and dazzle. The 3D underwater scene was a huge success  - I had to resist the temptation to stretch out to touch the fish and Terry the turtle seemed to be within the grasp.

A great Family show.

Tony Kane is founder of Time & Leisure Media Group and editor of the Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Putney editions of Time & Leisure Magazine.