Puss in Boots
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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