Fur-get everything you thought you knew about Dick Whittington! Our ‘tail’ begins with our hero and his feline friend setting sail on the Empire Windrush, whisk(er)ing away to seek their fortune on London’s streets of gold.
Joy Productions and Broadway Theatre, the award-winning Panto partnership behind last year’s Sleeping Beauty, winner of the OFF-WEST END AWARDS’ Best Production 2025, return to present Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat, their third consecutive festive family show in Lewisham’s glorious Art Deco Theatre.
This classic folk tale of London’s most famous mayor has been transformed into an elaborate musical extravaganza inspired by the Windrush Generation and marking 77 years since the HMT Empire Windrush arrived with its very first passengers. Packed full of joyful characters, slapstick humour, popular showtunes and dazzling dance routines from Lindy hop to hip hop, this year’s spectacular production will run for three and a half weeks in the heart of South London from 9 – 31 December.
Written by legendary Panto playwright Susie Mckenna (Best Director at the British Pantomime Awards 2020) it is a tribute to her wife Sharon D Clarke’s parents Viola & Vincent Clarke. McKenna has revamped the storyline, adding a local twist which transports Dick and his faithful cat from Jamaica to seek his fortune on the streets of Catford.
She says: “This panto is a love letter to the Windrush Generation and to everyone who has contributed to create this vibrant and multi-cultural country we live in today. I hope audiences in Lewisham and beyond will experience laughter and connection, all the while spreading the message of joy and unity at this important time of the year.”
This year’s seven strong principle cast will be directed by former Wolsey Theatre Artistic Director and musical theatre supremo Pete Rowe (Rock n Roll pantomimes; West End and UK Tours include: Leader of the Pack, Boyband, Forbidden Planet, 20th Century Boy, Our House).
Cast
Durone Stokes, Dick Whittington
Justin Brett, Sarah The Cook
Natasha Lewis, Queen Rat
Wayne Rollins, The Cat/Uncle Vincent
Lisa Davina Phillip, Fairy Bowbells
Fergie Fraser, Alice Fitzwarren
Ben Fox, Alderman Fitzwarren
