Castaway are a runaway success

Published on 28th December 2007 in Ents

Another sell-out show from Castaway Music Theatre group delighted audiences at The Gate last week.

Dick Whittington was performed in true pantomime style and several of them were compelled to write the following review. One member of the audience said: "I like seeing how everyone enjoys it so much."

Another commented: "They just get better every time."

It was Castaway's first production since becoming a charitable trust, with funding support from Awards for All and the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board.

Matthew Cottingham took on the principal role of Dick Whittington with great style, delivering his lines with confidence and feeling. He was accompanied throughout by his loyal cat, who was well played by Karen Hespin.

The traditional pantomime elements were all there - "He's behind you" and "Oh, no he isn't!" - and a big variety of songs that must have been a challenge for the cast to learn.

The audience joined in with enthusiasm and were also moved by the singing, particularly of Kirsty Owen, Anna Thornham and Janice Varey as the Fitzwarren family and June Smith as Dick's poor mother. By contrast, big company numbers raised the roof.

Cookie Alex Brown and Danielle Griffiths as Idle Jack kept everyone laughing while the villains were ably and horribly led by King and Queen Rat (John Ward and Karen Green), who got plenty of hisses and boos. Aboard the Saucy Sal, ship captain Rodney Sweeting sang out a powerful 'Haul Away' shanty as the crew pulled on the ropes and followed up with traditional sea songs. As the scene moved to Morocco, Sultan Duncan Ross and his lovely daughter, Emma Wales, were entertained by the mesmerising snake charmer Michael Chambers and two sets of amazing belly dancers.

Band and backing singers supported the cast with music and Dick's fourteenth-century London was brought to life with period dance, songs and street cries led by Jill Clements' lovely rendition of 'Who will buy?'.

Dougie Whittles was an excellent town crier. Handbells, chimes and bells set the scenes and ushered in the arrivals of the delightful Ciara Louise Bradley as Fairy Bowbells.

The more up tempo numbers featured magnificent drumming from Graham Oades with Sean Ashton on bass and Paul Worswick on keyboards.

The whole cast deserve tremendous credit for their energy, hard work and group spirit which comes across to the audience every time.

The company were obviously well supported by back stage help as entrances were slick and well timed despite the limitations of space for a cast of this size.

It was a great evening out and this company looks set to continue to entertain Goole audiences for many shows to come. Castaway Music Theatre group performed Dick Whittington at The Gate from December 12 to December 15.