Dick Turpin – Pocklington Post

Returning to the same theatre each Christmas for thirty years is an incredible achievement;  “ Berwick Kaler has woven himself into the fabric of the life of the city of York and gained a very special place in the affection of its people ,” said Professor Michael Cordner, Department of Theatre, Film and Television, University of York on presenting Berwick with an honorary doctorate.

That warmth and affection was evident from the moment Berwick stepped onto the stage, and “bottled ” for safe keeping as part of his pension fund!

It’s no mean feat to keep on churning out such high quality “ rubbish ” every year, but this man’s imagination knows no bounds; Dick Turpin most certainly stands and delivers!

Vincent Gray returned to York to play the title role of Dick Turpin, and demonstrated on  numerous occasions that he was a most appealing and nimble footpad. The Ceilidh Shenanigans featuring Dick, Clod ( AJ Powell ) and Leprechauns was a real highlight.

The choreography by Kay Shepherd was outstanding; numbers such as Invincible and Agothalypse Now were visual feasts.

David Leonard returned to play Dick’s enemy Count Vermin De Vile, with his usual aplomb, celebrating twenty-one years of playing the villain in the York panto. Favourite faces such as Martin Barrass, and Suzy Cooper added to the fun, but the show was stolen by Black Bess ( Jamie Harris and Brendan Lucas ) who won over the audience with her antics.

No surprise then that theYork Theatre Royal pantomime has become the best attended cultural event in York.