Dick Whittington panto was sell-out triumph at The Bridge, Milford

WHAT is a proper village panto? A classic tale retold for today, with comedy, singing, dancing, mad characters in crazy costumes. Add to that magical moving scenery, heroes, villains, daft dames, animals, and a good sprinkling of fairy dust.

For extra points ensure the audience share the jokes, and sometimes even tell them – and of course, the odd dramatic mishap!

Well, if all of the above are the magic ingredients, The Bridge, at Milford, presented a certainly triumphed with Dick Whittington and his Cat.

Enter stage right the fabulous but frazzled Fairy from Milan (Manuela Zucchi), having boarded the wrong flight, there was no Cinderella here!

With the help of a story book, she set about saving the assembled company and audience from the evil King Rat (Ian Hey, in nightmare form) and his two hilariously heinous Hollywood inspired sidekicks, Arnie and Sly (Chrissy King and Yvonne Murphy), as they vowed to rule Old London Town, Milford, and The World.

But thankfully, a determined, dashing Dick (Alice Fulton), and his loyal Cat (Eirian Brain), soon bounced onto the stage and began their quest to save the day before living Dick’s dream, to become Lord Mayor of London!

Along the way we also met sexy Dame Sarah (Richard Dix), a wonderful troupe of daring dancers and even an Oxbridge Sultan (Roger Cooper), reunited with his old college chum.

Everyone involved played their part, backstage and on, to produce the music, dance and drama that had the audience captivated and laughing from start to finish.

So a very big well done to Brenda Evans (director/producer), Leigh Jerwood (musical director), Natasha Everett (choreographer), and the entire team.

Dick Whittington was a proper village panto, enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to get a ticket. So my advice is book early for next year’s show.

David Gillies