Dick Whittington will be returning to Hackney to find his fortune, but this time as a Windrush migrant.
Hackney Empire has announced Dick Whittington and His Cat as its 2019 pantomime production. Last staged in 2012, it promises a twist on the classic tale, focusing on the plight of the Windrush generation.
The story will begin in Jamaica, where a young Dickens Whittington is boarding the Empire Windrush, chasing a new life. Over the course of the play, he will make an enchanted feline friend, reunite with his Mum and meet an eccentric fairy.
A spokesperson said: “Dick Whittington and His Cat will once again bring all the magic and spectacle audiences have come to love and expect from London’s number one pantomime, getting the festive season underway in a sparkling reimagining of the Dick Whittington story.”
Dick Whittington is based on English folklore surrounding the real-life Richard Whittington, a wealthy merchant and Lord Mayor of London.
The Windrush generation, so-called after the ship on which they arrived, refers to the immigrants who were invited to the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries. The 1971 Immigration Act gave Commonwealth citizens who were already living in the UK indefinite leave to remain, but there has been recent public outcry as many have faced deportation after ambiguity about whether they were legal residents.
Production to begin later this year
The production will begin in November and mark a record 21st pantomime from Hackney Empire director Susie McKenna and composer Steven Edis. Ms McKenna said: “We are taking inspiration from the story of our 15th-century hero Richard Whittington, and celebrating the courage and determination of our 20th century heroes, the Windrush Generation.
“The story represents a journey full of hopes and dreams, and it’s a tribute to the Caribbean heritage in our local community. As always, our show will have all the ingredients of a traditional pantomime, sprinkled with surprises galore in true Hackney panto style.”
This year’s production follows a recent bout of success for the theatre. Last year’s critically acclaimed 20th-anniversary performance of Aladdin was nominated for six Great British Pantomime Awards, including Pantomime of the Year, Best Director, Best Dame, and Best Supporting Female. Aladdin also saw record sales attracting 19% of its audiences from the local area, and nearly a tenth of the theatre-goers were first-time attendees.
Tickets for the play are out now: https://hackneyempire.co.uk/
There is an early bird offer of £18.50 for tickets booked by 30 August.
