Dick Whittington Review – The Best Christmas Panto in the North West? Theatre Royal St Helens Delivers

 This truly is THE BEST CHRISTMAS PANTO in the North West for 2025!

Spectacular, Original with an Impressive and immersive 3D element. 

Panto season is well upon us and I have had the pleasure of reviewing seven of them.  This panto by far  – and it had a lot of strong competition this year –  leaves all the other pantos standing! 

It was dazzlingly spectacular, vibrant and fast-paced from start to finish ensuring that theatre goers of all-ages were highly entertained. The cheesy jokes and innuendos  were cleverly entwined with an adapted plot that was given a modern twist by writer David Phipps which also incorporated many local references, topics and songs of 2025. Director Chantelle Joseph,  promised and undoubtedly mastered an unforgettable festive treat.

The many elaborate and fantastically designed costumes, especially from the Dame, were lavish; the singing en pointe and the dancing was nothing short of extraordinary. Jenna Sian O’Hara as Dick’s cat Tommi on the high-hoop displayed breathtaking skill which received a resounding applause during her dismount..

Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden was dashing in the title role and took his debut panto role seriously in the Regal Entertainments Ltd pantomime which now runs until Sunday 11 January 2026.He was joined on stage by St Helens’ favourites Lewis Devine as Idle Jack who roused the audience, created the ‘Aww’ moments with his unrequited love whilst engaging and encouraging cheers and retorts from the audience. Timothy Lucas was exceptional as the baddie, King Rat, along with the talented Chantelle Morgan as Alice Fitzwarren, Rachael Wood as Fairy Bow Bells, Jenna and Richard Aucott who plays Felicity Fitzwarren.

The additional star of the show and pinnacle that sets aside this panto from all the others appeared during the second act, with the introduction of 3D technology which took the audience on an amazing underwater adventure. It was enchanting and bewitching, fun and completely different from other pantos.

This is a production not to be missed as all the family will be highly entertained.  It offers amazing value for money and is a great day/night out. 

SHOW LISTING

DICK WHITTINGTON

St Helens Theatre Royal

Date: Friday 28 November 2025 – Sunday 11 January 2026

Time: Various times

Tickets: From £20*

*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat booking fee. Online bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat online processing fee.

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS

ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL

Corporation Street, St Helens, Merseyside

WA10 1LQ

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Telephone ticket booking line 01744 756000, lines open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Book online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com