Puss in Boots

You know that SADS are truly back after Covid when the invitation comes through for their annual panto – this time Puss in Boots - always an event to look forward to.

What a talented team Director Gail Norris has gathered around her. Not just the cast: the set design (Martin Letts and Pam Yarrow) was stunning: vibrant and colourful, and the props and furniture were all cleverly done (Susie Fellows, Lesley Preedy, Jeremy Clephan & Caroline Powell). The costumes were sumptuous (take a big bow Brenda Austin), even for the supporting cast, as were the wigs and makeup (Lesley Norster and Caroline Powell). Clever lighting and excellent sound (Charlie Holland and Andrew Fost) completed the very professional feel of the show.

The script, a traditional take on the story by tlc Creative, has all the well-loved panto elements, including plenty of groan-worthy jokes, but could perhaps have done with a few more opportunities for the cast to interact with the audience. When it happened, we were more than willing to join in!

Proceedings were introduced by Shuna Rose as the narrator, who popped up from time to time to set the scene, always in rhyme. Danny Jeffs as Dame Hettie gave us an interesting and entertaining alternative slant on the traditional role of the dame, appearing beautifully attired and elegant; a far cry from the grotesque caricatures that we normally see. He has a great singing voice too, and fab boots! Liam Gray, also a good singer, gave us a strong Jack, leading the hunt to rescue Princess Alice – a nice, refined performance by Molly Dyer. Crucial to the whole show of course is Puss, and Emile Morgan seemed to relish every moment she was on stage, giving us a very sparky and energetic cat, with beautiful singing, and lovely costume and makeup to match.

Mike Clay really relished his role as the baddie of the piece, Lord Roger (or should I say “Wodger”?) The Broker’s Men, Nosmo King and Nopar King (Nicki Cresswell and Roger Minors) made a good double act, bouncing off each other well. Special praise must go to Caroline Powell for bravely stepping into the role of Queen Mildred at the very last minute when Lesley Preedy lost her voice. She was so fluent in the role, bossing around King Herbert (nicely understated playing by Rob Stead) that you hardly noticed the script behind her fan. Choreography was well executed by the entire cast and choral singing was good. The youngsters in the show must all be congratulated on playing their parts with great enthusiasm, but especially the Woodland Rabbits, Anoushka Lee, Rowena Beech and William Pearson, who enchanted the audience.

It was lovely to have a live band, led by Peter Fellows on keyboard with David Powell on Bass and John Parkinson on Drums. They produced a good sound and, even though I was sitting very close to them, it was never too loud.

What a treat to be back in the warm embrace of SADS for their annual panto. There is always a warm welcome here and it feels like the whole village is involved one way or another, in a big family event. I also applaud the way you uphold the old tradition of playing the National Anthem at the beginning of the evening. Thank you all for another thoroughly entertaining evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.