Puss in Boots

Fresh from their 2019 production of My Fair Lady, Vale Royal Musical Theatre are back again with their seasonal Pantomime ‘Puss in Boots’.  This production was produced and directed by Sally Ross and set in a traditional time period which, at times, made it look more like a traditional tale rather than a pantomime.  It’s fair to say that this society are a small and inclusive society who produce shows because they love what they do, and they have a lot of fun on stage.  That really came across in this pantomime.  The comradery amongst the cast was evident and even though the whole production was fraught with flaws and technical errors, it didn’t really matter because the audience enjoyed it and the cast had a ball.

There were various parts throughout the pantomime when things went a little wrong.  Cast had memory lapses with the script, forgot lines to songs, came in during the wrong parts of the backing tracks and masked each other on stage.  There is a lot of potential with this cast and these issues should’ve been addressed during the rehearsal process.  Despite these issues the audience enjoyed the performance and laughed and boo’d in all of the right places. 

One of the biggest issues with this production was with the sound.  Mics were left on throughout which meant that we heard people whispering backstage and people coughing etc.  Some of the cast mics didn’t work at all and the levels of others were too high.  Sound is one of the fundamental requirements in a musical or a pantomime and this production was affected because of the sound issues. 

The lighting was basic but apt.  I enjoyed the colours used that helped establish location and tone.  The set was very minimal but used in a way that hinted location and helped provide entrances and exits. 

The main cast of Puss in Boots (Sammi Hatton), Queen Wendy (Garry Wallis) and King Wally (Barry Pearson) were well cast and told their story well.  Each had their own character traits and were suitably funny whenever they needed to be.  Garry had a nice rapport with the audience, Barry played the part well and Sammi’s storytelling was good.  The comedy duo Jasper (Neil Partington) and Jethro (Paul Taylor) had some sound issues which made their jokes fall flat.  One of their mics wasn’t turned on for the whole of the first act and the other devoiced throughout which made it very hard to hear.  Both of these actors’ ad-libs were whispered and presented in a way that seemed apologetic rather than in your face funny.  Their female counterparts Babs and Betty (Tracy Williams and Audrey Mellor) were suitably funny, brought lots of energy and had great projection.

Joe Moore and Leanne Bereton brought a lovely energy as the evil baddies Grimgrab the Ogre and his assistant Pernicia.  Each were funny and had great projection.  I found it a little strange from a directorial point of view to include the character of Pernicia in some of the group songs such as ‘Congratulations’ as this was detrimental to the plot and character.

I really felt sorry for both Victoria Gaffney-Lovett (Bobbie) and Lucie Dalton (Fairy Priscilla) as one of their mics wasn’t working correctly and the other waited an age for the sound effects for their fairy wand sound.  Each of these actors were well cast and dealt with these issues very well.  Victoria had a good energy and stage presence.

Jane Ainley played the role of Princess Esmerelda.  I loved Jane’s characterisation which reminded me of Jane Horrocks’ character in Absolutely Fabulous.  Jane had really good diction, articulation and storytelling and was very well cast.

The star of the show for me was Katy Proudman as Jack.  Katy had some lovely character traits, good storytelling and a lovely rapport with both her fellow actors and the audience. 

All other actors did well in their roles and helped further the story along.  The choreography was a little basic – there are only so many box steps you can see in a show.  I felt that this cast were much more able dancers and could’ve been pushed a little further.  It might be prudent not to try everything in unison also.  As far as Pantomimes go, this one lacks some of the fundamental tools that make a pantomime a rip-roaring side-slitting farcical hit.  This one seemed more like a traditional tale.  Each has their own place in theatre and it’s nice to see something different from the norm.  There is a lot of potential with this society as there is a lot of talent within it’s ranks.  I hope that this talent can be nurtured and brought out for their 2020 season.

I thank Vale Royal for their hospitality and wish them all the very best for their 2020 season.

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