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Puss in Boots

Author: Nova Horley for Vicki Avery

Information

Date
9th January 2020
Society
Broxbourne Theatre Company
Venue
Spotlight Theatre Broxbourne
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Angie Frost
Musical Director
Joanna Pierce
Choreographer
Angie Frost

Good to see a different pantomime, a NODA publication by Leonard H Caddy, which although a little light on story, gave us all the elements of a traditional pantomime, with contemporary touches that worked well for me.

Scenery was well-handled and suited a difficult stage, I particularly liked the Ogre’s Castle, very atmospheric, with lighting throughout that enhanced the different feel of each scene.

Sound was good throughout, we could hear everything that went on on-stage, although there was a very insistent bass beat that tended to override the sound sometimes.

Musically an interesting choice of music, and some good arrangements with nice harmonies.  The addition of a small pit choir just lent weight to the harmonies for solo singers and the weight of sound for ensemble numbers, I liked the premise.  I felt the musical numbers ended rather abruptly, it would have been nice to have a couple of bars after the singing just to round it off.

Costumes on the whole were smart and colourful, a couple of malfunctions for the ladies, and a different choice of underwear for a couple of the men would have benefitted the look of the piece!

Choreography was fairly simple, but everyone accomplished it well, and I enjoyed the contribution of the adult chorus and dancers.  One small point from a purely aesthetic point of view, I would have liked the cast to naturally morph into the musical numbers, rather than stand and wait for the music to start. 

A short but rousing overture, with a very bright opening, fronted by the energetic, ditsy Maisie, played by Sarah-Louise Levy, set the scene for an enjoyable evening. I liked the Maisie character, she was very bright, her whole face showed her energy and confidence.

Hannah Frost fulfilled the part of Colin nicely – I would have appreciated a little more of the traditional thigh-slapping portrayal, but otherwise Hannah did well. I liked her relationship with Olivia Dyson as Coral, and was glad Coral was a more up-front Princess than is the norm, Olivia also sang very well.  I enjoyed their duets very much.

Helen Brooks was a very elegant, sophisticated Puss, giving her wry asides and observations great intent, well done.  I enjoyed her dance number with the Jason Kids, who were an absolute delight throughout, very expressive and charming.  I was very taken with their lovely colourful tutus!

Dame Hermione was played by Andy Kirtley with all the pazazz we expect, and quite a few ad libs, I particularly loved his finale dress!

Scott Welch gave Trip a thoroughly out there persona, again several ad libs, but he carried them off well, and gave a contrast to the rest of the cast.

The Ogre was very well played by Andrew Frost, good vocal tones and fun make-up, ably assisted by his sidekick Sprat, played and sung well by Daniel Stride.

King Oliphant and Chancellor Dullbody (Neil Lyons and David Curling) certainly looked the parts, but were a bit slow on delivery at times – a different dimension that helped give the production light and shade.

Ollie Pajak was a confident Town Crier.

The Junior Chorus were charming, singing and dancing with lovely smiley faces and lots of energy.

I felt the finale was a bit dull, it would have been nice to have a new take on the walkdown, to match the contemporary feel in other places.

My thanks to BTC for their hospitality, the Society always give a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment, with plenty of laughs, and a chance for audience participation.

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