Puss in Boots

Well we knew we were in for a good evening at Blakeney as the anticipation is always rewarded with a very lively and different show, and this Puss in Boots again had a different slant. All on stage were so pleased to be there (as were the audience), one covid contact stand-in for princess in isolation but will be back during the run, a choreographer with bad foot an ideal substitute for opening night.

In the Village of Mill Hill, all seemed fair with the usual suspects players in the cast list: Merle Hooke as mill owner on retirement giving to Grahame Colombe as elder brother Boris whilst younger brother Dylan Iain Mawson gets the cat (and plays the ‘hero’ for first time). And the surprise transformation of pussy to Count Lightning Thunderboots in great hat and light-up boots and personality plus from Peter Franklin, supervising the rescue of fortune and story as he pushes Dylan into unlikely situations. Add in butcher, accountant, transport, farmer, and beauty team for a full complement of village, plus weather girl Alison Mawson. to get the action going with lively song and once again a great tap routine from the Glotox girls in the group to set the smiles in the auditorium. Once again all named roles in this Blakeney production.

Off with the money to HSBG the fraudulent bank with Roger Combe, Martyn Scott, Dave Buckey as typical villains, looking forward to the riches, plus put-upon Erica Roch as Aggie.

And then the Court of Old King Coke with Steve Benson and Morag Lloyd on thrones whilst they try to negotiate money loans and marriage contract with Prince Smoothiechops (Tim Williamson) for daughter substitute, and to help the villagers sort their problems with more lively music and dance (good Charleston), all giving such a good-feel to the evening. And of course our hero wins through with the aid of Thunderboots as all good pantomimes should.

Sets and costumes all to the usual high Blakeney standard, and the toe-tapping music with Gill Mellor’s group making us all feel happy with live music show and fun.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.