Puss in Boots

This year Swavesey RADSOC’s annual pantomime gave us the (almost traditional) story of Puss in Boots.  This society puts a lot of effort into their pantomime, which is a difficult genre and not as easy as it looks.  

I imagine the reasonably new drama venue at Swavesey Village College is not an easy space to work in.  Although it has curtains there is no proscenium arch and is extremely wide.  I think if I were to direct anything there I would bring the width in by using static flats as part of the scenery by the black legs or, if possible, bring the black travellers in to cut down the width.  Doing this would help with entrances and would also encourage the chorus members to work in groups of two or three, and avoid the temptation of having them work in a long line in an effort to fill the space. 

I felt the first night performance lacked attack which slowed the pace somewhat.  The singing from the principals, notably Queen Beryl, Princess Pamela and Tom was good but the chorus numbers suffered from both volume and confidence. 

All those in principal roles did well.  Queen Beryl (Adrienne Sharman)  and the Lord Chancellor (John Pickering) worked extremely well together as did Tom (Amy Smethurst) with both Puss and Princess Pamela (Emma Walsh).  We also enjoyed a very confident performance from young  Chessie Sharman as Dick.

Back in the Dame's role again this year was Phil Bailey as Widow Miller.  However, Puss in Boots is about the title role and the Dame's role in this version did rather take second place; but full marks to Mrs Miller on the costume changing front!  However, as I have just said, this panto is all about Puss played by Emily Marshall who was absolutely excellent.  

There was good support from behind the scenes and FOH all contributing to the production. The scenery, lighting and sound effects were good and the principals' costumes, particularly the Dame's, excellent.  The chorus alternated between every day costumes as up-to-date tourists and panto costumes when the ‘magic’ kicked in.  I appreciate that sometimes budgets don't stretch to glamorous finale costumes and full marks to the ladies of the chorus for some super evening wear but more bling please - its panto!

One could not fault the effort from all involved but, without any doubt, the evening belonged to Emily Marshall as Puss.

Next up from Swavesey RADSOC will be Wind in the Willows in May adapted for the society by Matt Isham.

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