Cast away winter blues aboard the good ship Marlin Monroe with Dick and the crew

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The weather is wintry outside but inside Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre there is a wave of sunshine, spectacular costumes, a Sultan and a spellbinding cast.

There is no better way to cast off the post Festive blues by joining the cast of Dick Whittington aboard the Marlin Monroe as the main character searches for fame and fortune.

They have been rehearsing for four months for the annual Playgoers panto and the curtain goes up on Dick Whittington on Friday. (Jan 10).

Katrina and the Waves’ 40-year-old classic, “Walking on Sunshine” kicks off the show which is packed with talent and experience.

Among the most experienced performers, is Jamie Smith who brings Dame Helga Hooternanny to life. His role as Dame is the latest in his long association with Louth Playgoers which began with his first panto role in Jack and the Beanstalk. He has starred in six pantos since those days.

He was in the last ever play at the former Newmarket Theatre in Louth when he performed in Private Lives.

Jamie remembers fondly the happy days with Maureen Lill as his first ever director and the late John Lill who directed him in King Arthur.

“I love doing comedies and plays and panto. It is like stand-up comedy, especially playing The Dame. You have to do ad hoc,” told Jamie who is promising a lot of unpredictability and plenty of audience participation.

Jed Spittle at the Sultan in Dick Whittington, the Louth Playgoers’ pantomime
(Image: Grimsby Live)

Will Dick save the day and rescue Alice from Queen Rat? There is only one way to find out. By buying a panto ticket and setting sail on the good ship Marlin Monroe.

Panto debuts include Emma Wighton, who leads the line in her role as Dick. Sophie Browne comes straight from playing Bet in the company’s musical Oliver in May to be Dick’s love affection, Alice.

Emma said: “I can’t wait for the start of the show. I have not been in panto since primary school and I am really excited. They are a really nice group at The Playgoers to work with. I love the interaction and being able to get up close with the audience. It is going to be a great time for everyone.”

She is being closely watched by Halle O’ Hare, her feline friend as they set sail for a little further afield than London town. They are being assisted by the experience of Jed Spittle and Louise Ray, who have only just arrived in the area, take on the role of the Sultan and Queen Rat respectively and both bring a wealth of performing experience with them

Laura Harris is coming out of retirement and donning her Fairy Bow Belle costume along with the experienced Georgia Pearson and writer Phil Marshall Jnr bringing laughs aplenty with comedy duo Snicker and Gaffaw.

Thanks to Poppy Layton the pantomime costumes are stunning. There have been a lot of helpers making spectacular costumes too for the dance troupe of Studio 2000 led by Nicky Wright.

Emma Wighton plays Dick Whittington and Halle O’Hare plays Tammy the cat in the Louth Playgoers’ pantomime
(Image: Grimsby Live)

Steering the ship are directors, Rich Precious and Gary Starkie. Rich said: “This amazing cast and crew have created something very special. We do this for fun, in our own time and we’re an inclusive fun group of people producing something very professional in an incredible theatre space, and have a live band too. I’m incredibly proud of them and they deserve all the praise and plaudits coming their way.”

It starts on Friday, January 10 and runs until January 19. Tickets are priced £9 for children and adults £15, with £13.50 entry for theatre card members. These can be booked by checking out www.louthriverheadtheatre.com or calling 01507 600350.

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Cast away winter blues aboard the good ship Marlin Monroe with Dick and the crew

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