This year’s festive offering, Dick Whittington and His Cat, is a sparkling reminder of why Evolution remains such a cherished part of Theatre Severn’s Christmas tradition.

Packed with vibrant staging, toe-tapping music, and the kind of sharp, quick-fire humour that has become Hendy’s hallmark, the show easily stands among the company’s best. By press night, just a week into the run, a record number of tickets for this season’s show had been sold – 43,000 and nearly 95 per cent. And it’s so easy to see why.

The start of Christmas

Shrewsbury panto press night marks the start of Christmas for my sister and I have been in the audience every year for decades now. To say we love it is an understatement, and I would honestly urge anyone who thinks panto is twee, cheesy, a bit OTT – to give the Shrewsbury one a try. There’s a magic to the Shrewsbury pantomime that sets it apart, crafting an atmosphere you simply won’t find anywhere else.

The excitement in the auditorium was clear before the curtain even rose, thanks in no small part to the triumphant return of Brad Fitt, who also very ably directs the cast. A beloved favourite with Shrewsbury audiences (you should see the array of gifts people craft for him that showcase his popularity), Fitt once again demonstrates why he’s one of the finest dames working today. His comic timing is impeccable, his rapport with the cast and the crowd feels effortless, and his ability to shift from slapstick to comedy serious keeps the energy at a joyous high. Simply put, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas in Shropshire without him.

Stellar cast

The cast around him is equally strong. Tommy J Rollason - fresh from Britain’s Got Talent - returns for his fourth year and continues to delight with his physical comedy and boundless energy. A star in the making, the chemistry between him and Brad is evident, and so genuine.

New for Shrewsbury this year is BAFTA and Olivier Award-winner (oh yes he is!) Tim Whitnall, who brings a touch of theatrical prestige as the dastardly King Rat, while Cara Dudgeon and Ollie Wray (fresh from the West End’s Les Misérables and both graduates of The London School of Musical Theatre,) play Fairy Bowbells, and Dick and both offer charisma, charm and powerful vocals.

They are joined by Lottie Stone as Alice Fitzwarren, played by Midlands Academy-trained Lottie Stone in her first professional debut and Caroline the Cat is played by Izzy Charlotte Oliver, a recent Urdang graduate who rounds out the ensemble with real warmth, helping ground the more outrageous antics with a playful, heartfelt performance. Together, they form a tight, dynamic company that feels both polished and joyfully spontaneous.

I love the ease with which the cast responds to the audience and often fill with unrehearsed, impromptu moments. We often forget that rehearsal time is quite short in panto-land and if anything goes wrong, you’d never notice because Brad and Tommy make it part of the show with a natural wit. The show is all the better for it.

Dazzling costumes and set

The show itself is classic pantomime fun. Dick Whittington’s journey - accompanied by his wonderfully streetwise cat - plays out with all the magical mayhem audiences hope for. The production bursts with colourful and increasingly outrageous costumes (no spoilers, but the entrance outfit is truly quite special), bold choreography, and clever comedic beats that appeal just as much to adults (possibly more so) as to children.

The sets are stunning as ever, I always take some time to admire the artwork that goes into them. And again, no spoiler, but there is a really magical scene for one cast member that’s so unexpected and beautiful it transports the entire audience into pure panto enchantment.

Hendy’s script is packed with the local references we have all come to love, contemporary jokes, and just the right amount of cheekiness, while never losing sight of the story’s heart. The pacing is brisk, the musical numbers hit the mark, and the audience participation is woven in with expert precision.

Brad’s boyfriend, selected from the audience, is always a highlight. As is the ‘barrow’ of jokes. This year marked the return of some very slapstick slipping and sliding. Simple, classic humour. Something we simply all need more of at the moment.

Pantomine for all

Evolution and Theatre Severn continue to be committed to accessibility. A range of access performances are offered over the festive panto run, including signed, StageText, and relaxed showings, ensuring that the magic of pantomime remains open to all. It’s a thoughtful, meaningful addition to a season that celebrates community and shared experience.

As the final bows landed and the audience rose to their feet, one thing was clear: Evolution Productions has done it again. Dick Whittington and His Cat is a joyful, uplifting pantomime bursting with talent, humour, and heart. Remaining tickets are on sale until the season finale on January 3rd.

And tickets for next year’s offering - Aladdin - are already on sale, showing from November 27th, 2026, to January 3rd, 2027!

Head to www.theatresevern.co.uk

If this year is anything to go by, tickets won’t last long. And neither will your frown if you enter the Theatre Severn Shreeeeewwwwwsssssbbbbbuuuurrrrryyy panto. I promise.

Catherine Buckley.

6/5 stars.