Synopsis
This Dick Turpin pantomime reimagines the famous highwayman as a misunderstood hero on the run. Escaping London with his faithful horse Black Bess, Dick arrives in York seeking a fresh start, only to find himself pursued by Agatha Christea, a determined detective, and targeted by the rich tea tycoon Earl Grey.
Along the way, Dick finds warmth and laughter with the unstoppable dame Betty Biscuits and her muddled son Duncan Biscuits, while romance blossoms with Gracie, Earl Grey’s daughter. Guided by the magical Angel of the North and the playful spirits of the Yorkshire Dales, Dick must decide whether to keep running or finally face the truth.
Packed with catchy songs, slapstick comedy, and northern charm, this family pantomime delivers a joyful tale of courage, redemption, and legendary adventure.
Roles
15 Speaking Roles + Flexible Ensemble
- Dick Turpin Famous Highwayman. High spirited and ambitious.
- Black Bess Dick’s trusty steed. Grouchy and sarcastic.
- Betty Biscuits Dame. Proprietor of Betty’s tea shop. Warm and cheeky.
- Duncan Biscuits Comic. Betty’s son. A positive, if confused boy.
- Agatha Christea A private detective. Rigorous and determined.
- Earl Grey Villain. Rich tea tycoon. Maniacal and ego-driven.
- Gracie Grey Earl Grey’s only daughter. Determined and logical.
- Argy Earl Grey’s henchmen. A blunt tool.
- Bargy Earl Grey’s henchmen. A blunter tool.
- The Angel of the North A good fairy. Bright and positive.
- Wensley Dale One of the Yorkshire Dales. A cheesy spirit.
- Bishops Dale One of the Yorkshire Dales. A holy spirit.
- Kings Dale One of the Yorkshire Dales. A regal spirit.
- Chip ’n’ Dale One of the Yorkshire Dales. A chilly spirit.
- Guy Fawkes An explosive young local.
- Northerners Ensemble.
- Castle Guards Ensemble.
Please note, that while authentic northern accents are not a prerequisite to play many characters in this pantomime, they may add to the comedy (and indeed chaos) of the production if done with an affectionate tongue in cheek.
Dick Turpin Pantomime Script Extract
AGATHA So that’s York! I should be able to cover that in a day. How many outlaws can there be up here. It’s freezing cold, and rainy! Yes, I doubt there’s many shady operators around here. (Aside) Mind you, having seen the front row, perhaps I am wrong! Dick Turpin’s time is running out. I’ll track him down, no doubt. And when I do find him, I’ll be hailed as the best detective of all time!
Music Play on
ARGY and BARGY enter as if mid conversation.
ARGY And then she hurled a block of cheddar my way.
BARGY What did you say after that?
ARGY I said “That’s mature”.
SFX Joke sting
They look disappointedly towards the audience.
BARGY Nothing from them.
ARGY I don’t know why we bother.
AGATHA Excuse me, you haven’t seen an outlaw on your travels, have you?
ARGY An outlaw?
BARGY What’s an outlaw?
AGATHA A no-good trouble making criminal who hides in the dead of night and jumps out at innocent passers-by, holding them to ransom and stealing all their valuable possessions.
ARGY Well, we don’t have any valuable possessions, do we Bargy?
BARGY Nope. We got nothing but the clothes on our back.
ARGY And the clothes on our arms, and legs, and feet.
BARGY And our shoes.
AGATHA I see. Well, if you do happen to see anything, please do let me know.
AGATHA hands them a wanted leaflet.
ARGY What are you doing looking for a wanted man?
BARGY You some kind of policeman?
AGATHA I’m a private detective.
ARGY What are you investigating privates for?
BARGY You want to be careful. You can get arrested for doing things like that.
AGATHA Agatha Christea at your service. Private investigator extraordinaire.
ARGY I’m Argy.
BARGY And I’m… wait, who am I, Argy?
ARGY You’re Bargy.
BARGY That’s right. I’m Bargy.
AGATHA Charmed, I’m sure.
ARGY We’re henchmen.
BARGY Not in the literal sense, obviously.
ARGY We don’t go to the gym.
BARGY But we’re tough and ruthless.
BARGY strikes a pose.
ARGY Yeah, we’re rough and toothless.
ARGY strikes a pose too.
AGATHA So I see. Good to know I can hire a bit of muscle around here if I need to cause any trouble.
ARGY We love trouble.
BARGY Trouble is our middle name.
ARGY Is it? I never knew that.
AGATHA I think we could make quite the team.
