Returning and new stars cast for 2023 Rock ‘n’ Roll panto!

11 Oct 2023 Information, News, Press Release, Shows

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We are delighted to announce the cast and creatives of our 2023 Rock ‘n’ Roll pantomime, Dick Whittington and his Cat!

Dick Whittington and his Cat will feature the return of 2022 Goldilocks and the Three Bears panto favourites Elizabeth Rowe as Alice, Steve Simmonds – who cannot wait to be transformed from last year’s Dame into this year’s panto villain, King Rat – and Luke Thornton as Dick Whittington. They are joined by Olivia Bennett – Ensemble, Jordan Eskeisa – Ensemble, Max Kinder – Dame Sarah, Janna May – Fairy/Pirate, Myles Miller – The Cat and Eloise Richardson – Ensemble.

As previously announced, the production will be written by the award-winning comedian, writer and composer, Vikki Stone. The Creative team is: Set and Costume Designer – Emily Bestow, Sound Designer – James Cook, Musical Director – Dan de Cruz, Lighting Designer – Mark Dymock, Wardrobe Supervisor – Margaret Lock, Choreographer – Maggie Rawlinson. The production will be directed by our acclaimed Chief Executive/Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul.

Douglas Rintoul said: “I’m really excited to be directing the New Wolsey Rock ‘n’ Roll panto for the first time. It is the most important show of the year that brings so many members of our community into the theatre.”

This brilliant and funny adaptation of the classic family-favourite show sees the story’s brave hero, Dick Whittington, on his journey from Ipswich to London to seek his fame and fortune. Can he outwit the evil King Rat, free the city from his team of revolting rodents and win the hand of the one he loves? This festive show is packed full of smash-hit live rock and pop music, a couple of very familiar faces, crazy characters, hilarious happenings and awesome adventure, with the
purr-fect amount of feline flavour thrown in for good measure.

Vikki Stone made history as the first on-screen female musical director of a prime-time entertainment show in the UK when she was musical director, pianist and band leader of the ITV Saturday-night prime-time show Romeo and Duet. Her writing credits include the Olivier Award-winning Hey Duggee Live which recently finished a major UK tour, and multiple pantomimes for London’s Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

Dick Whittington and his Cat runs at the New Wolsey Theatre from Thu 23 November 2023 – Sat 20 January 2024. Audio described, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted, captioned, relaxed/dementia-friendly and livestreamed performance options are available during the run, as well as pre-show touch tours.

Tickets are selling fast! You can book yours online by clicking here, or by calling our friendly Box Office team on 01473 295900.

We can’t wait to see you soon!