Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots – Thetford players

This home written Panto stuck very closely to the original 600 years old story.  This meant we met the amorphic Cavalier Puss, the King and Queen of Thetford, three brothers who are awaiting the reading of their fathers will. We have a beautiful princess and a horrible Ogre and there you have Puss in Boots.

Frankie Soan took on her first directorial challenge and was ably assisted by Maddie Stebbings, who was also the Musical Director, and if that was not enough they wrote the script in four months and what a good one it was.

Fairy Fushcia (Laura Williams) gave us a strong introduction and with a confident air she carried this role through to the very end. The children adored her. It is she that introduces us to the three Miller brothers Tom (Liz Straight), Dick (Martin Godfrey) and the hero of the story Harry (Charlie Wilson). Tom and Dick slotted into their comedy roles with ease and their transformation into royalty was very funny. Harry, the youngest son, on hearing the reading of the will realises that nothing is left for him but he has forgotten Puss (Liam O’Donnell), doing a good job in his first appearance with the Players.

 Harry was an archetypal Panto leading man good acting, good voice and good looking, so what could be better. His counterpart was the beautiful Princess Penny (Chloe Preston) who gave us a slightly feisty character but was a match for most when she sang

The princesses parents the King and Queen of Thetford, played by husband and wife duo David and Maggie Williams, had us in stitches. The oh so camp Dick Emery style King, having been introduced to us by the also camp herald (Stuart Wright), proceeded to mince his way through the show but never overplayed, this was a clever, controlled performance. His wife gave the impression she was just waiting to be let loose, given the opportunity.

It was at this point in the story that we met or should we say were bombarded by Dame Betty Boot (Adam Bond) who exploded on to the stage and gave us a well crafted performance.  His timing and delivery of dialogue was spot on and as if this was not enough he then showed off this amazing pop style singing voice. What a talent he is.

 Enough of the nice stuff, it was now time to meet the less than attractive Ogre (Will O’Donnell), but as he is a master of disguise, we had already met him when he looked like an ordinary villager, a clever idea. This Ogre had the loudest and scariest voice and he easily managed to make youngsters tremble with fright. This first-time performer with the players gave a performance that he and the rest of the society would be proud of. Hold on to him. All Ogres need a henchman and this one was no exception as he had Magnus (Phil Pearson). This hunched, cheeky little sidekick wasted none of his opportunities onstage to make the audience laugh and when he did his guitar solo the whole hall erupted.

This leaves us with only one character and Puss (James Trayton) with his magic boots looked every inch the part in his cavalier style clothes and his ginger fur and face. Using his stage experience he gave us an assured and suave manner making him a rogue loved by everyone.

The ensemble backed the main characters admirably and helped complete a strong package with good dancing and vocal strength.

How nice to hear live music and the band, unfortunately over loud at times, backed the singers well and the song choices were modern and cleverly chosen to fit with the script. All of this performed in front of simple backdrop and large prop scenery which worked extremely well and allowed the show to flow. The noise from the almost full audience is always a good gauge of success of a Panto and this was full of booing, shouting and clapping. This was a very good Panto.

The Players are developing a strong company with lots of young people and many experienced actors to give them a good pool of performers which means they are going from strength to strength.

A great evening’s entertainment.

 

 

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