Dick Whittington
Te Awamutu Light Operatic Society performed the original English pantomime "Dick Whittington" from 30th March until 14th April 2001 at the Woolshed Theatre. The show was directed by David O'Brien and Fiona Miller, with choreography by Gailene Foster.
The show is a lively comedy in the true tradition of pantomime, with plenty of singing, dancing, slapstick routines and audience participation. At almost 3 hours, it's a marathon effort by all involved.
Despite a few vocal hiccoughs, there were plenty of memorable performances. In particular, David Artis (Alderman Fitzwarren) and John Stewart (Sarah the Cook) won the crowd over. Ruth Love (Tommy the Cat) also delivered a very entertaining act with no speaking but plenty of expression.
Alderman, Tommy, Dick, Sarah, Jack and Alice
Dancers and Chorus
Tommy, Dick and Alice
The Captain, Jack and the Mate
Fairy Bowbelle and Fairy Discord
Alderman and Sarah
"Fairy Tales"
Fairy tales stir the imagination of many of us, and it does not take much effort to portray a life in Fantasy Land on stage before you.
Original English Pantomime expels most inhibitions one has and both parents and children make full involvement with 'Panto' something special.
TALOS enjoys stirring the imagination of our patrons in this "Fantasy World" and is truly indebted to the Directing talents of David, Fiona and Gailene, and all the other people who have dedicated their time and worked so hard in bringing this production to you in the Woolshed Theatre.
We trust you will enjoy our interpretation of this classic Pantomime and thank you for your patronage.
We look forward to having your company at the Woolshed Theatre for our future productions later in the year.
Sit back......... strike the lights............ raise the curtain.............
(let's be entertained)
Ray Spence
"Legends"
The legend of "Dick Whittington" dates back to the 13th Century, when a certain Richard Whittington Esquire served three terms as Lord Mayor of London. Nothing very much is known about him except that, in a portrait of him that hangs in London's Mansion House, there is a cat sitting on his lap! Whether or not he ever owned such an animal is a matter of conjecture, as are any other details about his life.
But this is pantomime, and reality has no place here. This is a world where dull, everyday fact and logic have no place, where men dress as women, where everyone keeps breaking into
song and, most importantly, where everyone lives happily ever after.
We've all had tremendous fun preparing this show, we just hope that you will enjoy it as much as we did.
So come with us now back to old London Town, and meet Dick Whittington, his cat, and all the other extraordinary characters that can only exist in the magical world of Pantomime.
David, Fiona, Gailene
| The Company | |
| Fairy Bowbelle...... | ......Freda Cavandar |
| Fairy Discord...... | ......Fiona Rippey |
| Dick Whittington...... | ......Morgan Samuel |
| Tommy the Cat...... | ......Ruth Love |
| Alice Fitzwarren...... | ......Kim Barclay |
| Jack...... | ......Scott McGill |
| Alderman Fitzwarren...... | ......David Artis |
| The Captain...... | ......Peter Monk |
| The Mate...... | ......Greg Hack |
| Sarah the Cook...... | ......John Stewart |
| King Rat...... | ......Matt Lawry |
| Chief...... | ......David Epplett |
Chorus |
|
| Heather McGill | Michaela Biddick |
| Heather Roach | Gabby Glynan |
| Tina Biddick | Genevra Carr |
Dancers |
||
| Jennifer Taylor | Michelle Gillard | Hugh McKay |
| Laura Dolby | Natalie Clark | Brogan Hollobon |
| Laura Rumbles | Emma Verstappen | Brooke Rako |
| Kate Ward | Charlotte Verstappen | Haley McMahon |
| Gemma Ward | Alyssa-Jayne Foster | Gail Boddie |
| Aurora Epplett | Reneé Foster | Hadleigh Tiddy |
| Orchestra |
| David O'Brien - Piano |
| Denise Hudson - Bass |
| Norm Maynard - Percussion |
| Production Team |
| Directors: David O'Brien & Fiona Miller |
| Musical Director: David O'Brien |
| Choeographer: Gailene Foster |
| Production Manager: Ray Spence |
| Production Secretary: Vicki Purves |
| Stage Manager: Rex McGill |
| Set Design & Construction: John Stewart |
| Set Painting: Jaqui Blake, Michelle Bocock |
| Wardrobe: Heather McKenzie, Raewyn Hoskin |
| Promt: Tammy Warwick |
| Properties: David Petchey |
| Stage Crew: Rex McGill, Rex Brown, Ken Miller, John Statham, Tony Bryant, Jessie Monk, Linda Rumbles, Fay Bryant, Peter Drysdale |
| Lighting & Sound: Grant Purves, Vicki Purves, David Monk |
| Front of House: Ray Spence with members/friends of TALOS helping |