description Dick Whittington Overview
Dick Whittington is a traditional British pantomime based loosely on stories about Richard Whittington, a medieval merchant who served several terms as mayor of London. The stage version follows a poor young man who travels to London with his cat, gains a fortune, and rises to civic prominence. Intended largely for family audiences, productions typically use songs, topical jokes, audience participation, stock pantomime characters, and comic departures from the historical Whittington's life.
help Dick Whittington FAQ
Is the pantomime Dick Whittington based on a real historical figure?
Yes, the British pantomime is loosely based on Richard Whittington, a real merchant who served as Lord Mayor of London three times around the year 1400. However, the famous magical elements of the story, particularly his talking cat, are entirely fictional folklore.
What is the significance of the cat in the Dick Whittington pantomime?
The cat is a central character in the pantomime, credited in the legend with helping Whittington earn his fortune by ridding a foreign king's court of rats. The animal sidekick is traditionally paired with the principal boy character throughout the performance.
How does the traditional Dick Whittington pantomime handle gender roles?
Like many classic British pantomimes, the title character of Dick Whittington is traditionally played by a young woman, known in theatre as the "principal boy." The show also features a "pantomime dame," a comedic male character in extravagant drag usually playing Dick's mother, Sarah the Cook.
What is the famous lore associated with Dick Whittington's journey to London?
The story popularizes the legendary claim that the streets of London were paved with gold, prompting the poor country boy to seek his fortune there. The pantomime ultimately teaches a moral lesson about perseverance and finding wealth in unexpected ways.
explore Explore More
Similar to Dick Whittington
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
