Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots is a very traditional pantomime and Whitworth AMDS kept it beautifully traditional with modern twists. With 18 musical numbers in it, both Musical Director, Victoria Sladen and Choreographer, Emma Bradburn were kept incredibly busy, but their hard work showed in the performance. The vocals were solid, notes were strong and clear, the choreography was fresh, exciting and executed cleanly.The cast were enjoying themselves during the musical numbers and it really showed.

The set was fairly simple, but very effective. I particularly liked the rabbit burrow . The Woodland Ballet was a standout for me and a huge well done to all who were in it - the moves were all in time to the music and were lovely and big so the visual in the costumes were spot on!  The lighting throughout was sympathetic to the scenes, sound was good with no gremlins.

The costume team should be very proud of what they put on the stage, they all looked great. Personally, I would have liked to see a tiara, crown or sparkly flowers in the Fairy Priscilla's hair, but it did not detract from the performance. I loved the visual of Betty (Paula Crossley) and Babs (Mandy Tiffany) and their love interests, Jethro (Dan Fielden)  and Jasper (Ryan Duffy), they were easily recognisable to the whole audience without detracting from the main Principals. I also loved the costumes for the "Killer " Rabbits - modern, menacing yet still cute with those huge ears! 

Andy Kelly as 'Queen Wendy The Wont' kept everyone in check on the stage. Playing the "Dame" part is exhausting, but Andy kept his energy high, got involved with the audience and delivered a strong performance. Diction was clear, use of stage space very good and his character steered the whole performance with some great pace. His counterpart, Andy Hall as ';'King Wally The Once' also had good diction when he was allowed to get a word in! The timing between the King and Queen was excellent and led to lots of audience laughter. It was also great to see the rest of the cast on stage reacting to what various characters were saying with both facial expressions and body language . Comedy timing was also excellent between Dan Fielden (Jethro) and Ryan Duffy (Jasper) their slapstick antics had the audience in fits of laughter . Their chemistry on stage with Betty ( Paula Crossley) and baby's ( Mandy Tiffany ) was evident and I enjoyed their delivery of "Build Me Up Buttercup". 

Alison Hasler as 'Grimgrab The Ogre' gave a very solid  performance, she kept her accent strong but clear, she was rough and tough but not terrifying, her chemistry with Collette Pedder (Fairy Pernicia) was very evident and they had an easy flow with their dialogue. Hannah Baxendale was every inch the beautiful Princess Esmerelda, her dialogue was clear, her vocals stunning - it was very clear that she was very much at home on a stage. Her love interest Jack was played by Ben Maguire - Ben is no stranger to this stage and he also appeared to feel very much at home with no nerves evident. Lauren Bates took on the titular role of Puss, she gave a very strong and solid performance, she had to first play her character by just mime which she did to great aplomb - then when she could speak she allowed her characterisation to grow even more. She had some fabulous stage presence and really made a connection with the audience. 

Everyone in this production worked very hard both on stage and off. Myself and my guest thoroughly enjoyed your performance. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
 

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