Panto season is here once again, and what better place to start than at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which is now in its ninth year of presenting renowned adult pantos.
Their latest offering, Charming Dick, brings together all of the traditional elements we’ve come to expect from the genre, but with an added injection of modern influences and, well… filth.
A hopeful Dick says goodbye to the north and heads south to live with his aunty in murky Vauxhall Land. Together they plan to transform Swanky Twankey’s Launderette into Cinders Cabaret Bar but the Wicked Witch is determined to continue her reign of terror, and close every gay bar in the land. Throw into the mix a very sexually confused Prince Charming (the witch’s son) along with pocket rocket Babe (a budding Eurovision star) and you have the makings of a drama-filled, first rate panto with lashings of sing-along musical numbers.
Though the cast is only five strong, the performances from all are outstanding from the outset. Chris Draper plays Dick with the perfect amount of optimistic child-like glee and enthusiasm while delivering proficient vocals. Vinegar Strokes adds a marvellous Les Dawson-esque (Google him, kids) feel to Twankey. A good dame should always have strong animated expressions and be totally over the top, and Vinegar ticks both those boxes.
An unrecognisable Topsie Redfern clearly relishes playing the baddie for once as the Wicked Witch, delivering full on musical theatre, evil camp with stunning vocal delivery throughout. Martin Fitch (Prince Charming) is suaveness personified. He gets to the heart of the Prince’s aloofness and vanity so well, exposing glimpses of that underlying vulnerability. Keep an eye out for his ‘Look at Me’ solo. Completing the line up is Faye Reeves (Babe) who plays several characters. The blind mouse is a SCREAM! A cross between Bubble from Absolutely Fabulous and Babs Windsor, Faye has effortless comic delivery. And yet remains so sweet and innocent looking with it.
On top of five strong performances, what makes this show work so well is that you can tell they all gel and are having a great time. That feeling is transcended to the audience. Written by Emelion Day and directed by Tim McArthur, Charming Dick is a feel-good festive slice of romance, innuendo and twisted dark humour. A must see!
Starring Topsie Redfern, Vinegar Strokes, Faye Reeves (Babe), Chris Draper (Dick) and Martin Fitch (Charming) The Eurovison 2010 entry for Poland.
Charming Dick is on at the Vauxhall Tavern 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 28th, 29th & 30to December. 6th and 7th January. Tickets available on vauxhalltavern.com
