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Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat
Fur-get everything you thought you knew about Dick Whittington! Our ‘tail’ begins with our hero and his feline friend setting sail on the Empire Windrush, whisk(er)ing away to seek their fortune on London's streets of gold.
Joy Productions and Broadway Theatre, the award-winning Panto partnership behind last year’s Sleeping Beauty, winner of the Off-West End Awards’ Best Production 2025, return to present Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat, their third consecutive festive family show in Lewisham’s glorious Art Deco Theatre.
This classic folk tale of London’s most famous mayor has been transformed into an elaborate musical extravaganza inspired by the Windrush Generation and marking 77 years since the HMT Empire arrived with its very first passengers. Packed full of joyful characters, slapstick humour, popular showtunes and dazzling dance routines from Lindy hop to hip hop, this year’s spectacular production will run for three and a half weeks in the heart of South London from 9 – 31 December.
Written by legendary Panto playwright Susie Mckenna (Best Director at the British Pantomime Awards 2020) it is a tribute to her wife Sharon D Clarke’s parents Viola & Vincent Clarke. McKenna has revamped the storyline, adding a local twist which transports Dick and his faithful cat from Jamaica to seek his fortune on the streets of Catford. She says: “This panto is a love letter to the Windrush Generation and to everyone who has contributed to create this vibrant and multi-cultural country we live in today. I hope audiences in Lewisham and beyond will experience laughter and connection, all the while spreading the message of joy and unity at this important time of the year.”
Joy Productions’ producer Julie Clare comments: “This truly is a revolutionary take on a classic tale. Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat embodies a journey of hope and opportunity and pays homage to the enduring legacy of the Windrush community which continues to shape British culture and identity today. I hope this story will resonate deeply with audiences, breathing new relevance into this popular folk tale.”
Cllr Sakina Sheikh – Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Sports – said: “We are super excited to partner with Joy Productions for a third year. This fresh take on Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat is a fantastic celebration of our borough. Blending a local landmark with a classic tale of courage, while also paying tribute to the Windrush generation will really resonate with our communities.
“Panto brings people together and there’s nothing quite like experiencing it at our iconic Broadway Theatre. We encourage residents to book early, bring loved ones and get ready for another unforgettable ride!”
For the third year running the production will be offering at least 600 £1 tickets to local community groups. The Talent Pipeline program aimed at nurturing and advancing careers in the theatre for Global Majority and/or Working Class talent continues. Candidates will be mentored by West End professionals on this production, using pantomime as a foundational training ground. Placements for this year’s production are in sound, costume, producing and directing and will receive a much-needed foot in the door in a climate in which theatre is becoming increasingly inaccessible as a career path for those with protected characteristics.
Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat
Dates: 9 – 31 December 2025
Tickets: From £8.50 to £43.50
Running Time: 105 minutes including interval
Book tickets here
