Puss In Boots

I would like to thank Market Drayton Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society for inviting me to see their production of Puss in Boots, at the Festival Drayton Centre in February.  This retelling of a classic fairytale had been written by Director Susie McLaughlin, which made it original, local and adaptable to its small cast of just thirteen.

I loved the investment of energy from the entire cast, which really highlighted the community spirit amongst all of the performers in bringing this story to the stage.

Musical Direction was provided by the talented Matt Baker and his band, which provided us with a good and varied selection of songs.

The comedy duo of Runner & Bean played by Alison Smith and Sandra Murray really got the action going, as audiences really do like the ‘supersoakers’ and the unpredictability of a chase around the auditorium.

Sarah Moore embodied the character of Fairy Nutmeg and was both comical and charming. She was ably assisted by her helpers, Cabbage and Patch (played by Elwood Glover and Sadie Harvey).

Mim Emmas played the villain of the evening (Lady Sprout) along with her evil sidekick Peapod played by Kat Turner, whose sole purpose was to marry King Asparagus played by Colin Whitfield. Her stage prescience was excellent and she soon had the audience eating out of her hand at every opportunity.

I found Puss an interesting character (played by Jess Keir) which I wasn’t sure if I should like at the start of the pantomime due to the condescending approach to the other characters along with a character with plenty of sass and self-importance.  It was however a character that I warmed to as the story unfolded.

Tom (the Gardner) was played by Izzy Adcock, the love interest of Princess Lettuce played by Liv Lutner.

The highlight of the evening was the medley of songs led by Andromeda (the supreme ruler of the magical Kingdom) played by Rosie Parrington.

The costume team and cast had worked hard on the costumes paying attention to the detail including the footwear.

I really enjoyed by my visit to Festival Drayton Centre and wish this group all the best for their future productions.

 

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