Dick Whittington at the Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport – panto review

Thank you to the Riverfront for inviting us along to review Dick Whittington

If you’re looking for a traditional family panto with a baddie to boo and hiss, plenty of ‘he’s behind you’ and ‘oh no it isn’t’ moments, laugh out loud comedy, lively song and dance numbers, and lots of audience involvement, then you’ll love Dick Whittington at Newport’s Riverfront Arts Centre in Newport.

Watch our reel from the night here

It’s a fun and creative production that takes the classic story of one man and his cat seeking his fortune, relocates it to South Wales, adds in treasure maps and pirates, an army of rats under the spell of their pipe-playing queen, an encounter giant sea creature, lots of humour, and brilliant musical numbers and turns it into two hours of pure entertainment perfect for all the family, whatever their ages.

Many of the cast are Riverfront panto regulars which gives the show such a warm feeling. We loved Richard Elis (best known as Huw from EastEnders to those of us of a certain age!) as the charismatic Cat. Elian West is a wonderfully evil Queen Rat, This is her first time as a panto villain after playing Rose in last year’s Beauty and the Beast – and she’s brilliant, just the right kind of menacing for a family show. Gareth Tempest is back for his third year as panto dame, as Sarah The Cook. He’s funny, over the top and with some absolutely brilliant costumes. We loved him!

Jonathan Houlson plays Dick and Mia Jae is his love interest Alys, two charming performers with some lovely duets. Chloe-Jo Byrnes as Fairy Daffodil, Alex Parry as Alderman Fitzmorgan, and Jacob Bradford, stepping in tonight as Idle Jack (usually Aled Pugh) make up the rest of this fantastic cast, alongside an energetic ensemble and a group of talented local young performers who sing and dance their hearts out.

The sets look great, we especially liked the pirate ship, and there are some brilliant special effects and magical moments too.

With a capacity of around 500, there’s a lovely personal feel, you’re never too far from the action. Located opposite Newport’s Winter Wonderland with ice skating and rides, and Friars Walk with several family-friendly restaurants, you can add to the panto experience with a lovely festive day out.

Dick Whittington is at The Riverfront, Newport until Saturday 4 January. Tickets are still available with standard shows priced at adults £29.50, children and concessions £27.50, group of four £102, and certain seats £19.50 with no further discounts. Premium shows are priced at £30.50, £28.50, £106. You can also snap up tickets for just £17 for the Christmas Cracker shows on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 January.
Book online here.