Puss in Boots

This was my first panto visit of the season and the furthest flung. The show was the perfect antidote to a stormy Shetland night being full of warmth and fun! From the rousing opening chorus to the finale the full-house audience were in full-throated support of the hard-working cast. Donna Marie Leask as Jack, the Miller’s Stepson and Juliet Mullay as Princess Esmerelda were well matched as the young lovers. Martin Summers and David Smith as Jasper and Jethro, the Miller’s sons, made a great comedy pairing getting huge laughs from their antics as they tried to kidnap the Princess for the Ogre. Bob Skinley as green-skinned Grimgrab the Ogre and Lyn Anderson as his evil assistant Pernicia the Bad Fairy were truly boo-able and even managed to make their rendition of “Music of the Night” sound menacing! Always there to counteract their evilness were Kerry Sjoberg as Priscilla the Good Fairy and Mandy Phillips as the sleek, thigh-slapping Puss in Boots. Jennie Atkinson as the bossy, loquacious and sometimes scatter-brained Queen Wendy was excellent and was abetted in all the laughter engendered by Karl Ward as her imposing (but hen-pecked) husband King Wally struggling to get a word in! Strong support was given by Morag Mouat (Bobbie the Royal Page), Amy Melkevik and Charity Johnson (Babs and Betty, Jasper and Jethro’s girlfriends), Joyce Williamson (Millie the Princess’s maid) and Lois Phillips (Mime Puss, Puss’s silent self).  The chorus sang and moved well and the rabbit and butterfly speciality dance by the youngsters was delightful. The costuming was appropriate and colourful – especially the red and gold of the finale. The set was bright and cheerful with atmospheric lighting and special effects. The 3-piece band worked hard throughout the show giving great support to the cast. Well done everyone for a lovely evening’s entertainment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.