A Promising Concept with a Personal Touch
The Broadway Theatre in Catford is staging a distinctive new production of the classic pantomime, Dick Whittington and His Catford Cat, which runs until 31 December 2025. This year's show, written by panto legend Susie McKenna, weaves a Windrush generation narrative into the familiar tale, billed as a tribute to the parents of McKenna's wife, actor Sharon D Clarke.
The production, however, arrives with some behind-the-scenes drama. McKenna, who had been slated to write and direct two London pantos this season, saw her other project at Soho Theatre Walthamstow cancelled. This left her solely as the writer for the Catford show, with Peter Rowe stepping in to direct.
A Fizzy Start That Loses Its Bite
The panto begins strongly with a clever and engaging concept. We see Durone Stokes as a big-hearted Dick Whittington arriving in London from Jamaica aboard the iconic Windrush passenger vessel. The opening act deftly introduces social issues of the era, with tactful allusions to the racial attitudes of the time, making the history accessible to a young audience without becoming a heavy lecture.
Critically, this reviewer attended a school performance which reportedly scaled back some of the Windrush material. Even accounting for this, the main frustration is that after a promising first act, Rowe's production becomes rather tame. It reverts to the standard panto plot beats—a random sea voyage and general rat-related business—without fully committing to its unique historical angle.
A Solid Cast in a Competitive Year
The show remains a good, solid family pantomime, bolstered by a perfectly decent cast. Fergie Fraser is enjoyable as Dick's eccentric love interest, Alice, while Wayne Rollins gives a nice turn as the grizzled Cat. In the pivotal dame role of Sarah the Cook, Justin Brett brings a low-key but anarchic energy.
Yet, in what is considered a very strong year for London pantomime, the production lacks the star power and improvisational flair needed to truly excel. There is notably almost no audience interaction, a staple of the genre, which may stem from the cast's comfort level with off-the-cuff performance. While it is undoubtedly the best panto in south London, it misses the mark on greatness.
Dick Whittington and His Catford Cat continues at the Broadway Theatre, Catford (SE6 4RU), with tickets priced from £8.50 to £43.50. Performances are scheduled throughout December, including matinee and evening shows.
