Walking into the beautiful Richmond Theatre, I wondered whether experiencing panto in a different theatre from the one that I grew up going to each year would still unleash the same sense of nostalgia that it had the last time I went to a pantomime when I was around 15. 

Starring Jack Danson, as the Dick Whittington the story follows Dick as he seeks fame, fortune, and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor and to free the city from The Queen Rat's team of revolting rodents.

Booo! Vivien Parry starred as Queen rat. (Photo Credit: Craig Sugden).

The pantomime also starred Paul Merton as Sarah the Cook (in a fantastic array of pantomime dame outfits), Wendy Mae Brown as Spirit of the Bells and West End star Vivien Parry as Queen Rat.

Suki Webster (Suki the Sweet Maker) was a stand out, creating that classic pantomime camaraderie with the audience and keeping impressive energy throughout - especially impressive as it was her debut pantomime.

Charlie Smart, who played Dick Whittington's faithful sidekick 'Eileen the Cat' was also a standout for me - although a role that didn't involve any lines the dancing was elegant and feline-like.

Suki Webster and Paul Merton has undeniable chemistry. (Photo Credit: Craig Sugden).

You could tell that the cast were having fun, joking with each other and just enjoying their time on stage - the fun energy was infectious.

The audience was engaged - with laughter englufing the auditorium and booing and hissing erupting everytime Queen Rat came on stage. 

The set and costumes were colourful and fun and the lighting added to the magical feel of the performance. 

The lighting, set and costumes were impressive. (Photo Credit: Craig Sugden).

Unfortunately, the sound balance was a little off at some points which made some of the lyrics in the musical numbers a little tricky to hear. 

However, the dance numbers where impressive - with the supporting chorus

Overall, I think Dick Whittington is a trickier pantomime as it lacks some of the features of stories such as Cinderella, but it was nevertheless a fun, festive and nostalgic experience!

Dick Whittington is at Richmond Theatre until 7 January - find out more and book your tickets here.