THIS could be HATS’ finest panto yet, writes Denise Moorley.

Everyone left the theatre in Bodmin Street, Holsworthy in high spirits, on the night I attended to see Dick Whittington and His Cat.

The whole cast and chorus do a tremendous job, but it is worth mentioning a few individuals. Lead parts Hannah Cook (Dick) and Bethany Lock (Alice) make a great couple and play the roles of thwarted lovers to perfection.

Ron Lester plays Gertie, the dame, with great style, dazzling us with her spectacular outfits while she builds up a great rapport with the audience.

Gertie’s sidekick, her ‘son’ Idle Jack, (Leighann Johns) demonstrates slick comedy timing in his efforts to keep his girlfriend Maisy (Ellie Skuse) away from the lecherous Captain Cutlass, played with great gusto by Crispin King.

The comedy duo, the two French Legionnaires, are also excellent, flipping between Cockney English and terrible French, with plenty of slapstick comedy.

Fairy Bow Bells (Jo Taskis) is the epitome of goodness in her sparkling outfit and she has a fine singing voice, too.

Her nemesis, Queen Rat, is played by Lesley Wonnacott, who is always so good at being bad! Her dance with the rat pack and fight with Tommy the cat is one of the highlights of the show and is performed with great energy.

The chorus this year are particularly strong and really bring the show alive with their musical numbers, especially in the Tavern scene with ‘Oom-pah-pah’, where Pam Johns takes the lead vocal with great verve.

The story takes us from London, ship-bound to Northern Africa and then back to London, unfolding within a series of superb sets, ably created by the art team and expertly manoeuvred into place by the backstage crew.

Directed by Evelyn Earles and Phil Barfett, the production is of a consistently high standard. This is due not only to the quality of the performers and musicians, but of course to all the supporting crew as well.

The sound and lighting effects are spot on, as are the excellent costumes, which must surely rival those in the West End theatres.

The pantomime runs until Saturday, February 6 and tickets are still on sale for some shows, at £8 adults and £6 children/concessions.

Ring 01409 253826 or visit the box office between 10am and 3pm for tickets.

Performances take place at Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society’s (HATS) Theatre on Bodmin Street nightly at 7.30pm — doors open 7pm. Saturday matinees will take place at 2.30pm — doors open 2pm.