Panto Proves To Be Purr-fect Festive Treat

Christmas magic landed on the stage of the Palace Theatre Newark last week as their sparkling spectacular Dick Whittington and His Cat made its debut on Tuesday. Thousands of local residents have laughed, cheered, booed and shouted it’s behind you after almost two years without panto and there are just a few weeks left to catch this seasonal highlight until its final performance on Friday 31st December.  

The festive family favourite sees hero Dick Whittington along with his trusty cat sidekick, named by the audience at each show, battle the evil King Rat to save London, win their fortune and woo the feisty Alice Fitzwarren. Their adventures take them on an epic voyage across the seven seas alongside the sensational Sarah the Cook and her son Idle Jack, whose comedy antics are sure to have the audience in stitches.

Jasmine Denton, aged 9, who attended the show on Saturday said: “I loved the pantomime. I love it every year. This one was so funny. The boom box bit made me really laugh and I loved all the dancing! I hope we come again next year.”

A stunning soundtrack of songs from The Greatest Showman to Meat Loaf and even Spongebob Squarepants accompanies jaw-dropping dance routines and awesome acrobatic feats from the remarkably flexible feline. All of this, combined with sparkling special effects and incredible sets, make Dick Whittington and His Cat the purr-fect panto to enjoy as a family this Christmas.

Theatre Manager Carys Coulton-Jones said: “It’s been wonderful to see families back enjoying panto this week. Nothing can match the smiles on children’s faces when they emerge from the auditorium after the show; it’s real Christmas magic which has been much missed since our last pantomime in 2019.

“We understand that some people might be nervous of coming to the theatre at the moment. However we want to reassure you that we’re working hard to ensure the safety of everyone attending panto by making sure all visitors, staff and volunteers wear face coverings unless exempt, leaving doors open for ventilation, enhancing our cleaning regimes and more.”

The Palace is going even further to put potential panto visitors at ease, having introduced socially distanced tickets for a limited selection of evening performances. For those who have been hoping to see this fantastic show but would feel more comfortable with some extra space around them in the auditorium, these tickets ensure a seat is blocked off on either side of your group at no extra cost. Performances with socially distanced ticket options are Wednesday 29th at 5.30pm and Thursday 30th at 6pm. To book socially distanced tickets, please contact the Box Office on 01636 655755 from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am 4pm. Standard tickets can be booked either via the Box Office or online at www.palacenewark.com.