Puss in Boots

"Puss in Boots" is comparatively rarely performed these days, especially in amateur theatre, though decades ago it was one of the more oft put on productions. Charmingly, it contains one of the very few "skin" parts which talk. This lively production had all the well-loved elements of traditional pantomime, which has been, disappointingly,  missing in more than one of the several pantos I have seen this season. The times they are a-changing and not always for the better, but in this highly enjoyable TOPs production we had traditional panto at its finest.

Opening the show were the two fairy characters, Priscilla played by  Kay Sandford and Pernicia by Amanda Stronge. My notes written at the time simply read "Wow, what a great start, brilliant dialogue".  Two real performers then to their fingertips or, in Priscilla's case, her wand!

A splendid Dame part in Queen Wendy was given by the highly charismatic Peter Calver, with wonderful diction, backed to the hilt by Alex Campbell as King Wally, another top player. A marvellous pair were Peter and Alex. Peter especially has the magnetic gift of every eye being fixed upon him, whenever on stage. Steve Bedford and Jonathan Tull were the delightful "idiot" baddies Jasper and Jethro respectively, with comic timing supreme and some wonderful repartee.                        

We had a charming and handsome Bobbie, the Royal Page, complete with terrific diction and presence. Young Joel Wall - for it was he - is clearly a rising star and a name to note! Babs and Betty, the female double act were great fun. Kate Ratsma was Babs and Andrea Oxlade played Betty - they both wrung every ounce of fun and comedy from their polished double act.

Now to the lead players: Laura Brand was the archetypal Jack, long legged, thigh slapping and heroic to his boots (if you will pardon the pun!). Laura could not have played it any better and was beautifully cast in this pivotal role. Shannen Knutsen as Princess Esmerelda was a rarity in panto, though not in this production, a real singer - and how easily she showed this talent  - charming, beautiful and gifted. Both Laura and Shannen will long remember this show with pride.

The lithe and graceful form of Catherine Blundell was no less than a stage triumph as the balletic Puss, able to talk after wearing the magic boots and being the smartest character on stage. Surely the most rewarding skin part of all!

Captain of the baddies "team", comprising  fairy Pernicia along with "part time" baddies Jasper and Jethro, was Grimgrab the Ogre. Andrew Claringbull, thwarted in his wicked pursuit of the lovely Princess had the required enormous stage presence that all panto villains must have. Scary, creepy and hugely effective, despite one jarring entrance made on stage right! This surprised me, especially in a production of this great quality. On the other hand, so to speak, or rather on his head, was a very blond Donald Trump wig.   I simply can't imagine why this was chosen. I lie, of course!

The three rabbits Paul Whenham (Mr Fluffy), Annette Spanton (Mr. Cheekycottonbottom) and Hazel Ashby (Mr. Wigglenose) made a strong impression as pseudo gangsters. The chase scene was well handled and the capture of a toy rabbit was amusing.  Young Anna Rastelli also acquitted herself well as Millie.

Some excellent dancing enhanced this top class production.   I much liked the five principal dancers in their fetching costumes with prominent waistbands. Kerry Brackpool set a high standard as choreographer  and her dancers did full justice to her talent and dedication.

The music under Musical Director Jamie Cordell on keyboard, with Paul Williams on bass guitar and Sax and Tom Early on percussion, were of a quality not usually achieved in panto. They had a vibrancy and assurance that was special.  

I have mentioned Shannen's quality singing, but there were others too who could put a song over very well.  

Director Chris Bassett's production had so much life, wonderful comic touches and, above all, pace, great diction and, glory be, lots of costume colour too. Crisp and well laundered costumes were of excellent quality, in fact professional standard.  Elizabeth Callow was in charge, ably assisted by Janet Beatty, Marion Deeble, Monica Mickels and Catherine Webber.   A magnificent display ladies!

Stephanie Hornett Johnson once again worked her magic on hair, wigs and make up. Oxted are fortunate to boast the talents of this painstaking young lady.

Set changes were made swiftly under the numerous in house crew under stage manager Muriel Lister. John Chinnock  worked his usual magic on sound, with a lingering offstage  scooter crash, being a highlight. Richard Grogan was equally effective on lighting.

An excellent company rendition of "I'll be there for You" largely from the aisles and a superb songsheet scene with "What's new Pussycat" (what else could it have been!), along with young children on stage and sweets thrown, reassured this panto traditionalist that all is well in Oxted pantoland.

All in all this was  the best amateur pantomime I can ever remember seeing!

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