Puss In Boots

Before the performance started there were a few minutes at front of house “warming up “ the audience which led to a really enthusiastic and participative audience from the very beginning.

We were quickly introduced to the Dame, Vera, played by Malcolm Hollister, who was outrageously extravagant and flamboyant in the role. Exactly just what is expected of a pantomime dame and well played Malcolm ! Vera had three sons, Arthur, Windy and Dusty.

Jessica Bellamy, as Arthur, the youngest of the three brothers was a confident and convincing principal boy, whilst Zoe Bell, as Windy and Adam Webster as Dusty were the comedy duo using slapstick and silly antics to amuse the audience and to create chaos and confusion.

Natalie Pimm, as the talking cat, Felix, made an early entrance and definitely looked the part with an exaggerated swagger.

Neal Hargreaves, as Roger the grumpy ogre was extremely nasty and intent on taxing the townsfolk to the maximum .He was instantly recognisable to the audience as the “baddie” and was heckled and booed virtually every time he uttered a word ! Some great facial twists and turns just added to his nastiness. Well played.

His henchman, Igor was played by Michael Challis who was superb in the role. He showed boundless energy as he moved around the stage and his facial contortions and expressions served to add to his eccentricity and nastiness.

Elin Massey, as Burger Von Wopper of the town and Fiona Haskell, as Kent, the town clerk/crier were trying to organise the townsfolk according to strict rules specified in a rule book which seemed to cover absolutely every activity imaginable. Fiona took great delight in quoting from the rules in a very strict manner whilst Elin tried hard to keep everyone onside. A good pairing.

Kerys Stephens, as Megan was visiting the town from Wales accompanied by her daughter, Cerys, played by Jessie Pitts. Naturally Arthur falls in love with Cerys and, aided by Felix, they have a happy ending !

Cook, played by Micaela Doucette led the townsfolk in a fairly riotous cooking scene with plenty of fooling around and the inevitable “custard pie “ landing on unsuspecting faces.

The scenery was basic, but realistic and very adaptable, consisting of three pillars which turned to reveal different scenes eg house, kitchen, castle. Stage Manager, Clive Clark was involved with others in the set construction and had a sizeable crew helping on stage whilst Darryl Wort was responsible for props.

There were some first class sound effects ( Peter Morris) and imaginative use of lighting ( Joe Fawcett) which enhanced the stage and costumes (Sara Knight) were most colourful and appropriate to the characters.

Congratulations to Director, Helen Arbon for bringing this production to stage and to everyone involved in any way. Well done.

This was a truly lively and family orientated traditional pantomime, well acted and was great fun. The audience loved it and actively participated and so did I.

 

 

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