A venue such as the Georgian Theatre Royal must have a classic pantomime. It should reflect the building’s status, history and unique atmosphere. This year’s panto does all of that and more. It has the audience laughing and cheering from start to finish and singing on cue. Interest never flags.

Dick Whittington blends familiar traditions with new and exciting ideas. There is a saucy Sarah the Cook from Neil Clench. The ship’s captain, played by Nick Heanen, is a jolly creation. Clad in navy tropical white this loveably eccentric character could fill a guest spot in a Tin Tin adventure.

Playing Idle Jack is George Critchley, an actor whose panto appearances have earned him a celebrity status on the other side of the Pennines. He makes an immediate big hit with the Richmond audience.

The script gives Stephen Donald as King Rat lots of hilarious alliteration. His rodent majesty gets his due punishment when he is caught in a giant pinball machine, which is suggested by cast positioning. Tommy the Cat fires balloons (ie pinballs) at him.

The actors play this pantomime as if they have been let off a leash, which is how the best panto has always been played.

Kevin Berry, The Stage