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1973

Dick Whittington

Written by Mike Leigh

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director
Oscar Lewenstein

Dates Performed

Wednesday 26th December 1973
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs

Play Details

Synopsis

London, 1973. In the vibrant chaos of the city, the timeless tale of ambition and perseverance unfolds

Dick Whittington is a poor boy who hears that the streets of London are paved with gold. Driven by dreams of prosperity, he travels to the city with his loyal cat. However, life in London proves to be far from easy, and Dick faces numerous challenges, including dealing with an evil gang of rats led by the menacing Queen Rat.

Through determination and the help of his cat, Dick’s fortunes change dramatically. His cat’s exceptional ability to catch rats earns Dick favour and wealth, leading to his eventual rise to become the Lord Mayor of London. The play blends humor, adventure, and moral lessons, encapsulating the spirit of resilience and hope.

Friel’s adaptation retains the charm of the original tale while infusing it with contemporary relevance and wit. The narrative explores themes of ambition, the quest for betterment, and the triumph of good over evil. The characters’ journeys reflect broader societal changes and the timeless struggle for personal success and recognition.

Director(s)

Mike Leigh

Poster credit

Poster courtesy of V&A Theatre and Performance Archive

Cast & Creative

Cast

Lavina Bertram

Cast

Paul Copley

Cast

Julia Coppleman

Cast

Peter Godfrey

Cast

Philip Jackson

Cast

Roger Sloman

Cast

Tim Stern