Dick Turpin, 2025 family pantomime written by Kei Bailey and directed by Glenn Barker.
Synopsis
Early eighteenth century England and a wicked witch called Nefaria Chilblain is preparing to free herself from a curse which imprisons her in a deep, dark woods. To break the spell, she must harness the power in an enchanted sapphire which hangs in a chain around the neck of an aristocrat by the name of Lady Ermintrude Portcullis. Nefaria must have the necklace stolen and decides to enlist the services of one of the many highwaymen that plague the thoroughfares of the country, and who better for the job than the notorious Richard Turpin, lovable rogue and dandy, better known as Dick.
In Little Widdle-in-the-Woods, Lady Portcullis has just arrived in town and checked in at the Chuckit Inn coach house, a popular stop off for travellers journeying through the English countryside. Molly Coddle the innkeeper, welcomes all and asks no questions. Her guests are guaranteed a hot meal and a comfy bed whilst the horses are left in the safe hands of stable staff, Fertiliza Carrot, and her two children, Arthur and Cora.
During an evening of revelry, Dick succeeds in swiping necklace and, in the morning, makes a sneaky get away into the woods. However, a suspicious Cora doesn’t waste any time in making chase, determined to bring the renowned crook to justice. Meanwhile, town constables, Hobnail and Boot, are called in to solve the crime and are soon also in hot pursuit, closely followed by Fertiliza and Arthur who are anxious to keep Cora safe from harm.
As the sun sets and daylight dims, the characters find themselves lost in the trees and the darkness. Can Dick Turpin get away with his greatest heist yet? Will Nefaria succeed in using the sapphire’s power to free herself? Can Cora save the day? Will Fertiliza get through the woods without laddering her tights? All will be revealed in Dick Turpin the pantomime!
Cast List
Dick Turpin – Paige Ruddlesdin
Dame Fertiliza Carrot – Kei Bailey
Arthur Carrot – Aaron Pettican
Cora Carrot – Hannah Priestley
Gilbert Hobnail – David O’Brien
Dilbert Boot – Kelly Anderson
Wanda Wave – Alison Johnson-Smith
Nefaria Chilblain – Colette Buchanan-Gray
Snivelsprout – Ed Griggs
Lady Ermintrude Portcullis – Mel Priestley
Molly Coddle – Mandie Collier
Ensemble – Sue Fletcher, Joseph Gilliard, Sue Porter, Jenni Chamberlain and Linda Mallett
Production Team and Crew
Writer – Kei Bailey
Director – Glen Barker
Producer – Jaqui Hodgetts
Musical Director – Colette Buchanan-Gray
Choreographers – Rachel Rowett & Aaron Pettican
Sound Design – Colette Buchanan-Gray
Sound Operator – Callum Thursby
Lighting Design – Callum Thursby & Keith Baggley
Lighting Operator – Keith Baggley
Stage Manager – Mags Lennard
Stage Crew – Georgina Statham, Rob Grundy, Henrik Weston and Emily Castillo.
Hair & Make-Up – Katie Calo
Dames Dresser – Katie Calo
Costumes – Linda Wilson & Marie Jones
Set & Props – Callum Thursby, Mag’s Lennard, Jaqui Hodgetts, Rob Grundy, Don Rose, Henrik Weston, Adam Eden
Poster & Programme design – Jaqui Hodgetts