Dick Whittington and His Cat – Hackney Empire

Hackney Empire’s 25th pantomime, ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat’, directed by and starring Clive Rowe, promised festive cheer and nostalgic charm. However, despite flashes of brilliance, this production falls short of being the “must-see” panto in London this year.

The script, penned by Will Brenton, lacked substance, relying heavily on recycled gags and predictable puns. The pacing was uneven, with a bloated first act dragging on before a slightly more engaging second act. Even the customary audience participation felt half-hearted, a surprising miss for a genre known for its infectious energy and considering Hackney Empire’s successful track record for pantomimes!

Performances were a mixed bag. Kandaka Moore, as Dick Whittington, showcased a stunning vocal range but was let down by her one-dimensional acting. Aryana Ramkhalawon and Max Mirza, playing Alice Fitzwarren and Idle Jack, respectively, struggled to project, their performances lacking the vocal strength and charisma needed to carry pivotal roles.

Clive Rowe, in his 17th stint as Dame Sarah the Cook, once again demonstrated his mastery of the role, commanding the stage with wit and charm. Yet, even his magnetic presence couldn’t entirely rescue the show from its lacklustre script and patchy direction. The saving grace of the show was the engaging ensemble, particularly Alfie Simmons (Scratch) and Jemina Dawe (Sniff), who brought humour and vitality to their roles. Their comedic timing and dynamic energy provided much-needed relief in an otherwise uninspired production. Other stand out performance came from Fraser Stewart and Nicole Reeves.

Visually, the production fared better, with Cleo Pettitt’s costumes, particularly for Rowe, adding vibrancy and flair. However, the overall staging lacked the polish expected of Hackney Empire. Poor sound balancing compounded the issues, with dialogue and lyrics often drowned out by the band, detracting from key moments.

While Hackney Empire remains a beloved institution, this production of ‘Dick Whittington and His Cat’ felt more like a missed opportunity than a jubilant celebration of 25 years of pantomime tradition. Despite its flaws, the show will likely entertain younger audiences and long-time fans of Clive Rowe’s Dame. However, for those seeking a truly memorable panto experience this festive season, there are much stronger contenders elsewhere in London.

Playing until 5th January, https://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/

Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin

Reviewed: 5^th December 2024

North West End UK Rating: