The 2008 pantomime at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, was Dick Whittington at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry produced in association with the Belgrade Theatre. It starred:
- Andy Hockley as Dame Sarah the Cook
- John Webb as Alderman Fitzwarren
- Anna Mitcham as Alice Fitzwarren
- Sion Lloyd as King Rat
- Caroline Head as Dick Whittington
- Marc Borthwick as Idle Jack
- Jeremy Cave as Scratch
- Leo Atkin as Sniff
- Amy Burns as Tommy the Cat
Director - Iain Lauchlan
Choreographer - Alli Coyne
Executive Producer – Steve Boden
The show ran from 25th November 2008 until 10th January 2009.
The set, toilet, galleon and costumes have come home
15th January 2009
The panto is now closed, and so everything has been taken out of the theatre. The set has headed to its new home at our Redditch stores, and the galleon and hydraulic toilet have headed to our Coventry stores for now, before heading off to Redditch themselves very soon.
However, Louise spotted the toilet in the unit, and had to take a nose. Here's Lou's reaction to sticking her nose in King Rats bog....
The panto is now closed
10th January 2009
After 60 performances, Dick Whittington closed at about 9:30pm this evening.
It's been a fantastic show, and we've had alot of fun. Thanks so much to the cast and crew, but mostly to the team from the Belgrade!
We're really looking forward to being back in November 2009 with Beauty and the Beast
xx
More reviews are coming out
8th December 2008
We've had a review from The Stage
“This is a traditional pantomime with all the essential elements, including a daft ghost joke and the cooking sketch, plus all the ‘behind yous’ you can muster.”
Read the full review on The Stage's website.
What the crits have to say
4th December 2008
The Coventry Evening Telegraph was in watching on Gala Night, and here's some of what they had to say about the panto.
“...there’s really no avoiding the truth. Is this the best panto I’ve seen in years? Oh yes. It. is.”
Click to make the paper-cutting larger
Gala night last night
29th November 2008
And what a great night it was. Playing to a full house, the cast were on top form. We won't tell you much about it, but if you love panto special effects make sure you don't miss King Rats very amusing hydrogen driven 'throne' and the hydraulic boat.
In the audience watching were Director and writer, Iain Lauchlan, Writer Will Brenton, Choreographer Alli Coyne, all the Belgrade Theatre team, and the team from WISH.
The panto has opened
27th November 2008
So, the Belgrade has completed its two previews, and it's gala opening night on Friday 28th November. All well so far, and the cast are having a great time. Check back here soon for some panto images!
The Galleon gets a lick of paint
12th November 2008
The paintwork on our Galleon was looking a little tired so we decided to 'spruce it up' a bit! Take a look at the photos below to see the before and during photos of the repaint. The undercoats are on and, once the Galleon has been transported to the Belgrade and rebuilt, the final paint work and detail will be completed. You can see the finished project on stage in all its glory from 25th November!
Can you believe it - rehearsals started today!
3rd November 2008
Yes, it really is true. There's only 3 weeks until the panto opens and Iain Lauchlan (Director), Alli Coyne (Choreographer) and Tim Spencer (Musical Director) were joined by Steve Boden of WISH for the first script read through and cast meet and greet on Monday 3rd November at 10am at the theatre!
Oh boy, it means the 2008/9 panto season is really here everyone!
Changes to the cast
3rd November 2008
Sadly, due to injury we have lost Charlie Ryan out of the cast - get well soon Charlie, and we hope your knee recovers really quickly. He is replaced by Marc Borthwick.
And due to family illness, we have also lost Mike Royce, although Mike continues to work at the WISH stores as our props builder. Mike is replaced by John Webb.
Welcome to both Marc and John and thanks so much for stepping in and saving the day!
The panto is cast!
28th September 2008
Here's who will be appearing in Panto in Coventry for 2008/9:
- Andy Hockley as Dame Sarah the Cook
- Mike Royce as Alderman Fitzwarren
- Anna Mitcham as Alice Fitzwarren
- Sion Lloyd as King Rat
- Caroline Head as Dick Whittington
- Charlie Ryan as Idle Jack
- Jeremy Cave as Scratch
- Leo Atkin as Sniff
- Amy Burns as Tommy the Cat
The panto babes are cast!
8th September 2008
Thanks to the 160+ babes who turned up to audition for a part in Dick Whittington!
On the day, all of the auditionees performed in front of Iain Lauchlan (Director, writer and co-creator of the Tweenies), Alli Coyne (Choreographer) and Steve Boden (Producer).
We were absolutely delighted with the standard, and are pleased to announce that this year, for Dick Whittington at the Belgrade Theatre, there will be 2 teams of babes performing, as well as some 'reserves' in case of drop outs or problems.
Well done to all who were successful - we can't wait to work with you!!
