THERE is just over a week left to catch the Christmas pantomime at the Gaiety Theatre.
This year it's The Adventures of Dick Whittington which is being staged by Taylorian Productions.
It is the first pantomime that Taylorian Productions has staged but the experienced principal cast ensure this doesn't show.
The Adventures of Dick Whittington tells the tale of Dick, played by William Sidgwick, who sets off on an adventure to make his fortune and get the girl – in this case Alice Fitzwaren, played by Sarah Pearson.
The road to success for Dick, however, is hindered somewhat by pantomime villain Queen Longtail, played fantastically by Olivia Black, and her two rodent sidekicks Ro and Dent.
Also joining Dick on his adventure are Mandy the cat, Idle Jack (Alice's brother) and Alice's mother Lady Isabella who is a "big wheel around these parts".
Chris Caine is fantastic as Lady Isabella - a larger than life glamorous widow on the lookout for a new man – watch out if you're sitting in the front row!
In a physically demanding role, which entails numerous costume changes and dance routines, Chris doesn't falter and shows excellent comic timing and stage presence.
Idle Jack, played by Alexander Beck, is genuinely funny and brings great energy to the stage. He instils a fresh and current edge to the character enabling the pantomime to be brought slap back into the 21st century – in Jack's words – "Totes amaze".
David Dawson, who plays Fairy Bridge, gives a confident, camp and assured performance with plenty of glitter and sparkle and young actor Andrew Halstein who plays the drill master Hercules shows great potential.
The ensemble cast and the "Apples and Pears" (young dancers) are step perfect and help the big musical numbers really take off.
The pantomime is littered with anecdotes that both the young and old will find funny, audience participation and a couple of cream pies for good measure.
Current affairs are cleverly entwined through the two and a bit hour performance.
This year the Island's politicians get off lightly with only Onchan MHK Peter Karran being name-checked. Instead the focus turns to "Fly-may-be" the Steam Packet Company and drinks prices at Sir Norman's to name a few.
The costumes, lighting and set design are all fantastic and really add to the story, helping transport the audience to London, down the sewers, on the high seas and even under the sea. Watch out for Elvis!
The Adventures of Dick Whittington is directed and choreographed by John Cumberlidge and produced by Matt James, the co-founder of Taylorian Productions. The pantomime will run until December 31. For tickets contact the Villa Gaiety Box Office on 01624 600555.
