THURSDAY night’s performance of the Harlow Playhouse pantomime, Dick Whittington was the embodiment of everything that each and every person involved in the show and involved in the Playhouse hopes to achieve.

The show was described as a ‘love letter to Harlow but it was also a living breathing example of the team’s belief in “we make the magic”.

First things first. This was their third show of the day. That must have been exhausting. Especially, as the third show had many special guests and dignitaries.

Dick Whittington isn’t the easiest show to do as its story is a bit light but the writers (Daniel Bell and Ben Parsley) take all the strengths of their cast to create a magical two hour show.

From the very first scene this was a bright, positive panto. The dancers resplendent in red and green. In fact let us mention the dancers first as they are sometimes left way down in the review.

With pantos now concentrating on a cast of half a dozen or so and no groups of children, it is vital that their dynamism and energy fills the stage. So well done to Alice Olby, Brogan Paris, Phoebe Silver, Daniel Clelland, Ethan Brenchley and Jack Barnato.

The show’s narrator is Queen Kiessa, played by Rachel Rawlinson. There is something of the Hannah Waddingham about Rachel as she is guides and leads the audience through the story. She commanded there stage and was a wonderful presence as well as a fine singer and excellent police officer!

Dick Whittington is played by James Hilton-Foster. James also commanded the stage and really came into his own when he sang. The rendition of From Now On was worth the admission alone.

In fact that term “worth the admission” could be applied to so many scenes and scenarios.

James is also ably assisted by Grace Chapman who plays Alice Fitzwarren. Grace is a wonderful partner to Dick and the other actors. A delightful singer and actor.

The same can be said of Dilara Greene who plays Tommy the Cat. Dilara seems to have scenes with nearly every actor and although a side kick to then all, carves out a character all her own. She displayed a real energy and had such charisma.

Then there is Sir Rattington played by Nathaniel Morrison. Nathaniel brings a whole new dynamic to the role of the baddy. Not only a fine singer and dancer, he commanded the audience to boo and hiss, and they duly obliged. We also just loved his outfits. They had a real retro feel.

And so that brings us to Dame Felicity Fitzwarren (Jimmy Burton-Iles) and Silly Billy Fitzwarren (Ben Parsley).

We are so blessed to have this dynamic duo. This is Jimmy’s tenth year and he does refer to it with a resigned weariness which only a great dame can do. In many ways, Jimmy is a very generous actor in that he acts as a foil for Silly Billy and his brand of physical comedy to steal nearly every scene.

But Jimmy has a presence. Sometimes the cupcake dresses are enough or the arch of an eye brow or the gesture of a hand.

We happen to think that Ben’s physical comedy doesn’t get the credit the deserves. He is such a warm, funny actor and his interaction with the audience (especially his songs to Hollie) are hilarious.

But there was one scene where he is having a tantrum which was an amazing day of physical comedy.

This is also a panto of perfect timing. From the miming to the scene with a thousand props. We think the “When I was Young” scene near the end nearly broke them but for that it was one of the highlights of the night.

There are also some breath-taking special effects. We won’t spoil the surprise but one with Dick Whittington towards the end of the first act is stunning. Simply stunning.

But time and time again, we refer to the set piece songs in a pantomime that brings West End standards to Harlow.

They sing “Could It Be Magic” at the end of Act One and that inspired our headline.

We also like the references to Harlow. From Footholf to Nando’s. There were also a few cheeky political references.

We know families spend a lot of money to see the pantomime. For many it may be the only trip to the theatre all year.

Anyone who has spent five minutes with the performers, directors, choreographers know that is always in their thoughts.

This a Playhouse, that, in sporting terms is always playing for the shirt. Even the security staff wave our reviewer goodbye as he leaves and ask: “You will write a good review won’t you?”

We can’t miss out the set designers. Once again , they outdid themselves. From the backdrops to the ship to the sliding galley.

There is so much more, we could have written.

This reviewer publishes over 4,000 stories a year. This is the only one where all three generations of our family attend. Our grandchildren are growing up with the Harlow Playhouse pantomime. It is pleasure to be part of it. To be part of a wonderful part of our towns’s culture.

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