In our continued Pantomime 2026-2027 season of interviews, we'll sit down with the dames, heroes, villains, and creatives who transform classic fairy tales into the festive magic we all know and love.
In this interview, we sat down with Joseph Vella, who plays Dick Whittington in Dick Whittington and his Cat at The King's Head Theatre in London.
How does it feel to take on the iconic leading role of Dick Whittington, and what unique energy or personality are you bringing to this version of the classic hero?
Dick is a really relatable guy! I hope audiences will warm to him quickly.
I might add a bit more coolness and suave to the character, we’ll wait and see haha!
The promo teases a London where "the streets are paved with gold," only for Dick to find a city overrun by rats. How does your character handle that initial reality check?
He wants to help, so although it might not be the London he hoped for, he does not let that stop him!
You’re going head-to-head with RuPaul's Drag Race UK star River Medway as Queen Rat. How do you prepare for playing the hero of a production like this?
Oh she’s going down!
Haha! River is so lovely, and we’re going to have a lot of laughs over the panto season.
I just think about what the kids would love to see on stage, and the adults of course, and really focus on embodying that!
What makes the King’s Head Theatre in Islington such a special venue for festive pantomime?
It’s intimate, you’re going to see the action up close, almost immersive.
That gives audiences a chance to feel like apart of the journey more than any other place out there!
The run includes the hit "Adults Only" evening performances packed with extra innuendo. How will you adjust your performance and comedy timing when switching between the family-friendly matinees and the late-night adult shows?
I think, anything goes for the adult shows.
I won’t be focusing on the exact words as much and give myself a lot of room to play with my fellow cast mates and the audiences.
Essentially breaking that fourth wall a bit more!
How do you mentally and physically prepare ahead of a demanding pantomime schedule?
Honestly I haven’t, I’m going to take each day as it comes, keep myself as healthy as possible and I know the audiences at the KHT will make it worth it!
If you could turn the tables and interview Dick, what question would you like to ask him?
I wouldn’t ask him anything, I’d tell him stop being a chicken and ask Alice out quicker hahahahah!
What are your own favourite pantomime memories?
I love a big production Pantomime.
Anything with big sets, silly props and great music!
If, instead of giving out flyers for the show, what show-themed prop would you use to sell the show to audiences?
This is a great question! I think it would have little cute plushy rat soft toys, to show even though it’s about rats taking over London, they’re still real cute!
What do you hope audiences take away from this year's North London panto experience?
Just to have a fun time! It’s gonna be silly and I hope they’re able to embrace that!
Dick Whittington and his Cat is performing at King's Head Theatre from 22 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with tickets available at https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/dick-whittington-and-his-cat-x9y6
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