The reviews are in for the London Palladium’s latest pantomime. But what is the critics verdict? Here Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews:
Join Dick Whittington (Charlie Stemp) on his daring journey through the streets of London aided by The Spirit Of The Bells (Julian Clary) as they face off against his dastardly nemesis, Queen Rat (Elaine Paige).
WhatsOnStage: **** “Despite the slight niggles, Dick Whittington is a huge amount of a fun, a big, brash, over-the-top Christmas extravaganza.”
London Theatre1: ***** “A glitzy and glamorous production that held my attention, unwaveringly, from start to finish.”
The Stage: ***** “This is a show pumped with star talent that revels in extravagance for extravagance’s sake.”
The Telegraph: **** “Children may find themselves a bit short-changed, but with Clary – affecting throughout a lofty air of weary disdain – in full control, their parents certainly won’t.”
Radio Times: **** “This is a joyous Christmas treat that leaves you with a warm glow.”
Broadway World: **** “Dick Whittington is spectacular and full of festive cheer, and will have you stepping out into the crisp London air with a twinkle in your eye and a big smile on your face.”
Time Out: *** “If you want a properly community-rooted or more subversive panto, ‘Dick Whittington’ won’t be for you. But as a machine-tooled reflection of the bright-light blare of central London at Christmas, it’s a sugar rush of a show.”
London Theatre.co.uk: ***** “Michael Harrison’s production pays tribute both to the variety house past of the London Palladium and panto’s own important traditions with a show that delivers on every front.”
West End Wilma: *** “Set design was understandably impressive for a production of this size. Bright colourful costumes were a feast for the eyes and visually the show was everything you could want from a panto.”
British Theatre Guide: “Dick Whittington is one of the most spectacular pantomimes to have ever graced the stage, with the glitter count alone more than the entire history of pantomime at the venue. ”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “Ian Westbrook’s colourful set design, from a candy-themed sweet shop to flying vehicles, provides the perfect backdrop to a collection of costumes that never look anything less than sumptuous.”
The Times: **** “Julian Clary has never had a better context for his smooth-talking smut than in this generous, ridiculous, big-budget spectacular.”
Dick Whittington continues to play at the London Palladium until the 14th January 2018. To book tickets click here or visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, See Tickets.com, Last Minute.com, Love Theatre.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk and Theatre People.com.
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