St Helens Theatre Royal has built a proud reputation for producing some of the most vibrant and joyfully chaotic pantomimes in the North West, and its 2025 staging of Dick Whittington continues that tradition with confidence and flair.
Directed by Chantelle Joseph this year’s production blends old-school panto heart with modern spectacle, creating a show that feels both comfortingly familiar and sparklingly new. Families filled the theatre and from the first flourish of the overture it was clear the audience were in for an evening of laughter, magic and festive escapism.
Written by David Phipps Davis , choreography by Nazene Danielle and with music coming from Steve Power the production values are particularly impressive this year. The creative team has embraced bold visuals, filling the stage with glittering London skylines, richly decorated seafaring sets and a dazzling Underwater Kingdom full of shimmering lights and playful puppetry.
Scene transitions are smooth and imaginative, allowing the story to flow effortlessly from one colourful world to the next. Combined with upbeat choreography, tight ensemble work and a cleverly chosen soundtrack that blends current pop hits with classic panto staples, the entire show moves with the effervescence of a Christmas cracker ready to burst.
At the centre of it all is a charismatic cast who bring buckets of enthusiasm and warmth. Matthew Wolfenden’s Dick was magnificent, leading the company with easy charm, quick wit and a sincere likeability that makes him a natural hero. Wolfenden’s rapport with the audience is instant, and his chemistry with the rest of the cast ensures every scene he’s in feels lively and heartfelt. His musical numbers are confidently delivered, and he strikes exactly the right balance between earnest adventurer and cheeky panto lead.
Tim Lucas returns to St Helens Theatre Royal in the role of King Rat, the production’s principal antagonist. In this staging he anchors the show’s darker comic energy, combining theatrical menace with broad, family-friendly humour. Lucas’s King Rat is physically dynamic and vocally bold. He uses exaggerated movement, sharp comic timing, and a commanding vocal delivery to dominate scenes. Rather than a one-note baddie, his portrayal balances intimidation with self-aware silliness, so moments of genuine threat are quickly undercut by playful interaction with the audience and the ensemble.
Another major highlight is the incomparable local favourite Lewis Devine as Idle Jack. Devine has long been a staple of St Helens panto, and this year he might be at his very best. His boundless energy, impeccable timing and gloriously daft humour send the audience into fits of laughter time and time again. Whether he’s mispronouncing simple words, stumbling into slapstick disasters or firing off ad-libs that feel tailor-made for St Helens locals, Devine is a comedic whirlwind. His take on the Coldplay concert film is unique whilst his scenes with King Rat are especially hilarious, and his ability to improvise without derailing the show is genuinely impressive. It’s clear the audience adore him, and the feeling seems mutual—his presence on stage is a celebration of local talent thriving in a beloved community venue.
The supporting cast also shine. Richard Aucott as Felicity Fitzwarren (The Dame), adorned in costumes that seem to get more extravagant by the minute, delivers a masterclass in comic showmanship, effortlessly drawing both children and adults into her larger-than-life world, whilst Rachel Wood’s Fairy Bowbells ties the story together with radiant charm and strong vocals. Tommy the Cat played by Jenna Sian O’Hara deserves special mention too, contributing nimble physical comedy and crowd-pleasing moments throughout the adventure. Other notable performances come from Chantelle Morgan as Alice Fitzwarren
The script is packed with clever local references, topical jokes and just the right amount of mischief. Kids revel in the slapstick chaos while adults appreciate the nods to pop culture, politics and community quirks. Beneath all the comedy and spectacle, the production still honours the heart of the story: a tale of courage, kindness and the belief that doing the right thing can change your fate.
As expected there are numerous innuendo and cheeky jokes however some jokes were a little bit too risqué. However with its top-tier cast, polished staging and a deep understanding of what makes a perfect family pantomime, St Helens Theatre Royal’s Dick Whittington 2025 is an absolute delight. It’s warm, witty, visually vibrant and full of the kind of joyous silliness that makes pantomime a cherished seasonal tradition. The 3D clip was spectacular. Whether you’re a lifelong attendee or discovering St Helens panto for the first time, this production is a festive treat that will leave you grinning long after the final bow.
Dick Whittington
St Helens Theatre Royal
Until Sunday 11 January 2026
Tickets
