Puss in Boots

The original story of Puss in Boots goes back a long way, technically as far back as 1551, although a more familiar version was created in 1697. Essentially Puss, a feline in fancy footwear, convinces the King that his owner, the son of a miller, is actually ‘Marquis De Carabas’, to secure his owners marriage to the Princess, whilst tricking an Ogre from his castle.

Its always a good sign when the early and first entrance of the ‘baddie’ and ‘goodie’ immediately engage with the audience and gain the appropriate and traditional panto reaction! I am of course referring to the Ogre, (P.J.Spence) of suitable evil disposition and Fairy Aurora well played by Hannah Eakins who also proved to have a very nice voice particularly with ‘Rise Up’ in Act 2.  The company then hit the right energy level with ‘Walking on Sunshine’ led by Maisy well played by Lois Thomson.

Quite soon we are introduced to the other main characters; Rob Brown as the dame Hermione, who brilliantly held the stage and created a strong thread throughout – ‘Man I feel like a woman’ was a great number, her son Ralph (Marcus Davies) who had a pleasant voice and good stage presence, accompanied by his cat Puss played and sang well with great charm by Alexander Millar.

King Oliphant was played with great characterisation and energy by Rachel Sampson, and Chancellor Dullbody (Sam Godber) maintained a good presence throughout. Trip a footman played by Cain Groom, also engaged well with the audience, afflicted with a nasty habit of tripping on every entrance – a ‘silly billy’ role which was fun and most endearing. Princess Coral, the subject of Ralph’s affection, played by Briony Stevens, was every bit the Princess with a lovely voice-  I particularly liked ‘Make you feel my love’ and Friendship’, her number with Trip.

The scene in the Royal Court attended by the Royal Courtiers, gave the opportunity to appreciate the fabulous costumes backed by an excellent set. All other scenes were also very well dressed. Costumes and set must have represented a great deal of effort.  The band throughout were excellent and I felt the sound balance was the best I had heard. There were some funny local references and it seemed Evesham attracted some not always complimentary attention! ‘The Happy Reprise’ was a great close to Act 1.

As the story moves on, it needs Ralph to rid the village of the Ogre to secure the Princess’s hand in marriage and along the way, one of the Ogre’s team, Sprat, well played by Peter Rowe had the opportunity to present a good number ‘Monster Mash’ with the goblins. Good support was also provided throughout by Lisa Cole (Town Cryer) Alli Neal (Ghost) as well as soldiers, Royal Heralds, some bright young Dancers and Chorus. The dialogue always moved at a good pace under the debut direction for PODS of Rob Watts and of course, Puss helps Ralph to remove the Ogre and all ends well to the noisy satisfaction of a packed audience.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.