Thame Players are staging Dick Whittington as their ever-popular pantomime this year. It opens on Friday 6th December at the Players Theatre, Thame and promises to be at least as much fun as previous pantomimes, if not more!
Dick Whittington is one of the best-known and best-loved family pantomimes, based on the traditional story of Dick coming to London, hoping to make his fortune.
Falsely accused of theft, he starts the journey back to Gloucestershire, when he hears the ringing of Bow Bells. They seem to him to say, ‘Turn again Whittington, three times Lord Mayor of London’. So Dick returns to London where, after various adventures, he finally becomes wealthy, is made Lord Mayor of London, marries his sweetheart and lives happily ever after.
The story is based on real life. The real Richard Whittington, born around 1354, was the third son of a wealthy Gloucestershire family who came to London as a young man to become a mercer. He was four times Lord Mayor of London, a member of parliament and a sheriff of London. In his lifetime he financed public projects such as drainage systems in poor areas of medieval London and a hospital ward for unmarried mothers. When he was 42, he married Alice Fitzwaryn, daughter of another wealthy city merchant. He died in 1423, bequeathing his fortune to form the Charity of Sir Richard Whittington. Nearly 600 years later, this charity continues to assist people in need.
Needless to say, Thame Players will do the story of Dick Whittington proud (oh, yes, they will!) and there are sure to be plenty of laughs for all the family! Tickets are already over two thirds sold, so hurry, if you want to enjoy this unmissable pantomime, you should get yours now!
