PANTO SPECIAL This is what Welsh pantos are really like

Panto is as much a part of Christmas as turkey and tinsel and once again there are some great offerings acrossWales. We sent our critics out to review some of the big shows

DICK WHITTINGTON AT TORCH THEATRE, MILFORD HAVEN *****

Who? Shakespeare? Oh forget about him. Forget Pinter and Becket. In fact, forget the lot of ‘em.

Because it’s the Torch Theatre’s annual pantomime that provides all the insight, all the profound spiritual guidance we will ever need to help us on our time-travel through this world.

Gorgeous on the eyes, the ears and the soul, this year’s Dick Whittington is an escapist two-hour mesmeric mirage, bursting with wit, warmth and invention; and, of course, a very healthy dusting of double entendre.

Francesca Goodridge is superb as the Fairy Beau Bells, as are Miriam O’Brien and Joe Robinson as the Play School presenter-style straight ‘men’, Alice and Dick. All three infuse their roles with a welcome dose of mischievousness and tongue-incheek.

Oraine Johnson, the street cred’ Tommy, must be every ailurophile’s favourite pantomime cat: pounceperfect, bling-tastic, Public Enemyesque, slinkily hypnotic, tutting and gliding Egyptian-style into your hearts.

As always though, the unseen star is James Williams’ sparkling musical score. This time his repertoire contains nods to Tinie Tempah and even Stock Aitken and Waterman in the pumping and wonderfully ridiculous Disco Cake. But the highlight is surely the comedy genius that is his niggly, tinny rap version of Old McDonald’s Farm (surely a hit in the making). Dion Davies’ dame rapping a la Goldie Looking Chain with Richard Nichols is one of those ‘worththeprice-of- admission-on- itsown’ moments.

Nichols is always hilarious, effortlessly never less than top class, clearly enjoying (as do we) the arthritic amorality of his Alderman Fitzwarren, ermined, mercenary and ever so slightly kiffed. Sion Ifan’s King Rat shamelessly revels in his own camp menace (as do we). All buccaneer black, he somehow manages to resemble Gary Neville, Dick Turpin (with a tail), and an extra from an ’80s Adam And The Ants video all at the same time.

Dion Davies’ Sarah the Cook (Dick Whittington’s lusty mum) is, of course, simply fabulous; sassy, brassy and just ever so slightly trashy. Davis is surely the greatest pantomime dame ever - fantastic comedy timing, huge energy, always a superbly nuanced performance.

Directed by Peter Doran, The Torch’s Whittington is modern yet traditional, spectacular yet intimate, and full of the sort of elusive charm big city pantos with their bolt-on celebs can never match.

As an 1877 reviewer put it, “There are sweet sounds for your ears, pretty pictures for your eyes, and no end of comicality to make exactions upon your risible faculties.” Tim Barrett Dick Whittington os at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven until December 30. Call 01646 695267