Dick Whittington – Liverpool Empire

I was a bit sceptical going to watch the pantomime this year, as I felt last year’s wasn’t great.  Thankfully I did, as this year Dick Whittington has everything you want in a panto and more!

Right from the start it hit you with a song we all know and hands were clapping and feet stamping as Leanne Campbell, with ease, talent and enthusiasm, sang the first hit song.  Leanne had great chemistry on stage with the leading male Kurtis Stacey, not being a soap fan wasn’t sure who he was.  After watching him today I can tell you who he is and what he is.  He has great stage presence and has a fantastic voice and threw Leanne around, in the dance routines, like he should be next on Strictly Come Dancing!  Kurtis and Leanne complimented each other perfectly.  Eric Potts provided wonderful entertainment, as the traditional male dame and managed a few add libs, which is always a winner for me in panto.  His side kick Jack, not sure of real name, was perfect for the role.  He interacted with the audience with ease but did get upstaged by a young local boy called AJ, who told the audience all about the titanic disaster, cue the soundtrack from the orchestra and ‘Jack’ miming the boat scene, beautiful!  Sally Lindsey was very good in her role and seemed to enjoy the sponging ‘Jack’ a little too much!  Peter Price provided his usual strong performance and can still belt out a tune, although forgetting a line was quickly pounced on by Eric Potts and it was a joy to see the cast laughing at Pete’s expense.  The rat character created the perfect ‘baddy’. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the cast enjoy themselves on stage.

The dance routines were very well thought out and cleverly had enough slap stick in one dance routine to make children and adults of all ages laugh.  Having said all that, the person who thought of doing the 3D part of the show should be given the freedom of the city.  This was a fantastic idea and had children around the theatre gasp in amazement. 

In conclusion, this has been the best pantomime I have seen for a number of years.  Traditionally poor jokes that the cast delivered with the usual ‘I know it is poor but laugh anyway’.  Enough innuendo to keep the adults amused especially during the sausage scene!  A great family day out and I couldn’t recommend it anymore.  If you haven’t seen it yet you must go.  I’m hoping to go again after Christmas.