Puss in Boots

Welcome back! It’s been a difficult and challenging couple of years for amateur theatre. So, actually to get through rehearsals and make it to the stage is, in itself, an achievement. Your members and the wider Menston community need the lift that pantomime brings.

So, many congratulations on delivering a wonderful evening’s entertainment that was clearly enjoyed by both the cast and the capacity audience – all that pent up “Oh no it isn’t” was released this week . Also, congratulations on having the foresight to have understudies in place in case of problems – and, they were needed last night.

Puss in Boots is one of those pantomimes that isn’t performed as often as it should be and I don’t know why – it’s a great story with ample opportunity for all the traditional pantomime business. Ben Crocker’s script was different in that there was no “comedy lead” (the traditional Idle Jack, Buttons etc) and the Dame was the Queen rather than a nurse or nanny – but it all worked just as well. 

The comedy was in the capable hands of Jasper (Nick Howell) and Jethro (Charlie Birkett), the incompetent but funny brothers. There comedy timing was spot on, as was evidenced by the waves of laughter from the audience. There hapless love life with Babs(Ruth Birkett) and Betty (Sally Hughes) was a joy and obviously all ended happily ever after.

Every pantomime needs a battle of good versus evil, and we know from the start which side will win! We were treated to two villains in this pantomime – the extremely horrible Grimgrab the Ogre (Keith Galvin) and Fairy Pernicia (Elaine Galvin) (what an evil family?). The “good” side was Fairy Priscilla, who was played by the understudy, Hattie Southern. Both sides of the battle elicited the appropriate reactions from the audience. Which shows how well they did. 

The love interests were Jack (aka the Marquis of Carabas), played by Sarah Lee and Princess Esmerelda, played by another understudy, Darcie Clegg. They were both the epitome of principal boy and girl : Sarah – strong and bold, Darcie – pretty and frail. Both had excellent singing voices that blended together well. 

The title character, Puss in Boots, was played by Patrick Hardin. His portrayal was charming, with a commanding presence – maybe a few cat-like mannerisms would have been nice?

What can I say about Queen Wendy the Won’t? Rob Gillett-Place was one of the finest Dames I’ve seen in amateur theatre. It wasn’t a traditional dame but more of a Julian Clary style. His character was hilarious and worked the audience brilliantly with his off the cuff remarks. 

Fine support was provided by a number of other characters – Bobbie (John Ealden), King Wally the Once (Mike Waring) and Millie (Matt Hardin). 

It was really nice to see a live band, under the leadership of David Boddy. So often nowadays, Societies rely on backing tracks. He had clearly coached the company in some lively musical numbers ranging from Steps to Soft Cell. (I never thought I would hear Tainted Love in a pantomime). The choreographer, Laura Elmsley, had the company well drilled in all those numbers.

All this would amount to nothing without the people behind the scenes who make shows come alive – costumes (Sarah Hobson & Barbara Hobson), Props (Vicki Hannam), Lighting (Rob Finlay), Sound (Steve Gillett-Place) and Makeup (Amanda Botterill and her team). All of the under the management of the Stage Manager, Gavin Birkett.

Finally, many congratulations to the Director, Steve Gillett-Place, on bringing this wonderful pantomime together. I’ve directed many pantomimes and I’m well aware of the amount of work a Director puts into them in “normal” years, never mind at the tail end of a pandemic. Steve, all the hard work came off – you should be very proud of your Society. I must mention the Covid version of the Twelve Days of Christmas routine – Inspired and hilarious.

Thank you for inviting me back to Menston and I look forward to seeing you all again next time.

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