One of the most spectacular pantos in the country is now hypnotising audiences in Birmingham.

A richly detailed and thrilling production of Dick Whittington is playing at The Birmingham Hippodrome until 29 January.

1980’s rock band Wet Wet Wet lead singer Marti Pellow is starring as a dastardly, yet charming, villain in a stunning new production of perennial panto Dick Whittington.

Pellow not only takes on the role of the baddie but also wrote original songs for the show with Grant Mitchell, and lyrics by Shaun McKenna.

Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow is charming as the villainous RatmanPaul Coltas
Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow is charming as the villainous Ratman

Former Hear’say singer Suzanne Shaw is also on hand and joins Pellow on the Hippodrome stage as Alice.

Dr Ranj from Cbeebies show Get Well Soon and Strictly Come Dancing makes his panto debut in Birmingham and plays the role of Spirit of the Bells.

Comedian Matt Slack, who also co-wrote this witty new version of the traditional panto with Alan McHugh, takes on the title role in a sparkling production which follows the adventures of Dick and his cat on a rags-to-riches journey.

The smart script is full of topical references – cheeky and hilarious – and both adults and children will respond to this seasonal show.

Dr Ranj, from CBeebies and Strictly Come Dancing, is delightful in the pantoPaul Coltas
Dr Ranj, from CBeebies and Strictly Come Dancing, is delightful in the panto

Michael Harrison, who produces and directs the panto, has delivered a beautiful confection that ripples along with lots of festive mischief and fun.

The oft-told and popular panto is fresh and exciting in this entertaining production which keeps the tale twisting and turning in surprising ways that keeps the audience engaged and alert. There’s also more depth to the characters which makes the interplay between the cast and audience really thrilling. The participation elements are absolutely delightful.

The spectacular special effects are vivid and have to be seen to be believed. To reveal too much detail will spoil the surprises in store for those who have yet to see this ingenious show.

The costumes in this panto are breathtaking works of art that sparkle with an array of bright colours that shimmer as the performers dance and interact with each other.

Suzanne Shaw, from pop group Hear'say, brings joy and light to her performancePaul Coltas
Suzanne Shaw, from pop group Hear’say, brings joy and light to her performance

The panto makes excellent use of the Ian Westbrook’s sumptuous set designs which were originally built for The London Palladium.

Special mention goes to the sensational Spark Fire Dance performance whose fiery and audacious choreography left the audience in complete rapture. The dance by Dave Knox and Grace Billings is a jaw-dropping combination of Hollywood blockbuster style pyrotechnics, impeccable timing, immense trust and soul connection, and a passion to produce art out of heat and light.

The seasonal show has an abundance of magical charm, bubbly songs, and joyous dancing, and appeals to all ages.

This is a gold plated, diamond encrusted and fiery Las Vegas style panto performed right here in Birmingham.

VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dick Whittington is running at The Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday 29 January 2023

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