008 - Scene VII

Join us for a delightful journey into the whimsical world of Victorian pantomime with Whittington and his Cat, also known as Harlequin Lord Mayor of London. Written by E. L. Blanchard for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1875, this performance captures the essence of a beloved Christmas tradition in England. Pantomimes, typically performed in rhyming couplets, feature a cast of colorful characters, including the Principal Boy—played by a girl—and the Dame—played by a man. In this enchanting tale, Dick Whittington arrives in London, eager to find the legendary streets paved with gold. He is reunited with his loyal cat, Tom, and encounters the mercer Mr. Fitzwarren, his charming daughter Alice, and the formidable Dorothy the Cook. Expect plenty of laughter and high jinks as we bring this classic story to life, drawing from a well-worn script and original music sourced from various British libraries. The curtain call features the names of famous Victorian pantomime stars, adding an extra layer of nostalgia. We hope our rendition gives you a taste of the magic and merriment of Victorian panto. (Summary by Ruth Golding)