Puss in Boots

I have just seen a pantomime

And like every year had a brilliant time.

First of all, we met a fairy     

Then another one, quite scary.

Priscilla and Pernicia were their names

Outwitting each other was the only aim.

Maggie Newman and Grace Brandon did a brilliant job

And next we met Dominic Winton playing a man called Bob.  

Bob - sorry, Bobby - did well in his character

And introduced us to a more important actor.

Played by Mark Barnes, he was Queen Wendy, the Dame,

And I can tell you for certain, his acting was far from lame.

Two more royals in tow - first, Wally the Once

Couldn’t get a word in - Oh what a dunce.

Daughter Esmeralda was the third in the royal party.

Lauren Crichton played the part and her singing was hearty

Love interest for the Princess was of course Jack

Acted by Sarah Gallagher who watched her back

as ogre Grimgrab attempted to spoil all their plans

Aimee Bullimore did this but did not win any fans.

Jack’s brothers were known as Jasper and Jethro

Jo Beeby-Jones and Lia Roper gave plenty of ho-ho. 

Babs and Betty were their potential sweethearts

Bethany Paternoster & Emma Godden, they played these parts  

Lots of others appeared on the stage

Guards and dancers and rabbits in a rage.

One more to mention - or should I say two

The titular character who had plenty to do.

With boots, Pam Stringer, who did all the talk

And Maisie Simmons who could only miaow and walk.

Julie Jordan and Frances Mansell were in charge

And did a wonderful job with a cast very large

The task of the dancing was over to Penny Woodman

She came up trumps - well she always could, Man.

So the music was under the direction of Anne Whiteside

Volumes, harmonies, contrast were all on the right side.

The scenery was impressive, cheerful and bright

Lighting and sound also worked out quite right.   

To repeat - I said I had a brilliant time

But I’ll have to stop now - I’m near out of rhyme.

Three cheers for panto – celebrate with a beer

I hope you’ll invite NODA to review you next year.

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