Broadway Theatre Catford‘s annual pantomime – a joyous coming together of community
I always try to catch my local pantomime at South East London’s Broadway Theatre Catford. It is always a joyous coming together, community vibe and this year’s Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat does not disappoint.
Written by panto legend Susie McKenna, this year’s show is a tribute to her wife (actor Sharon D. Clarke)’s parents, who were part of the Windrush Generation.
The story is also inspired by the real life story of Sam King, who became London’s first Black Mayor of Southwark, and came over on the Empire Windrush. He was a real pioneer and campaigner and his family continues to carry out his vital community work to this day.
When Dick arrives in Catford, he quickly discovers Queen Rat and her rodent army are causing mayhem! She kidnaps Dicks girlfriend Alice Fitzwarren (2025 West End Wilma Award Winner Fergie Fraser – Best Swing, Mean Girls The Musical) and it is down to Dick to save the day (along with a little help from Fairy Bowbells – Lisa Davina Phillips).
Sarah the Cook (Olivier-award winning Justin Brett) takes dick (Durone Stokes) willingly inside her home and gives him a job, working in the family shop. But when sleepy Vincent the Cat is left in charge of the shops money bag, Dick is set up to take the fall for stealing, causing everyone to question his motives.
As always, the Catford panto has its political elements to it, with Octavia the Ocean Queen championing inter-species marriage, racism and of course, Liz Truss. Alice’s feminist twist at the end of the story is also a nice touch.
Wayne Rollins as Uncle Vincent the Cat is hilarious (as always) with a touch of Danny John-Jules from Red Dwarf about him – cheeky and mischievous.
Lisa Davina Phillips as Fairy Bowbells and Natasha Lewis as villain Queen Rat are a hilarious pairing and the whole cast perform well.
Directed by Peter Rowe, this years pantomime doesn’t quite hit the mark of previous years but it is without question an important annual community event that brings families together – and there is nothing more christmassy than that.
Support your local theatre, wherever you live and go and see what they have playing, whenever you are able to.
★★★
West End Wilma
Photos by Mark Senior
