Puss in Boots

On Saturday January 11th, Sale Nomads presented their pantomime production of Puss in Boots. The auditorium was packed, and the audience was eager to boo, hiss, and cheer—I knew I was in for a treat! From the very first scene, where Grizwald, played by Ross Douglas, and Fairy Moonbeam, played by Emma Birch, introduced themselves, the energy was palpable. They whisked us away to the village with high spirits and captivating performances. The use of levels in the opening scene added a magical touch, and the seamless transition into the opening number was powerful and impressive.

The ensemble's opening rendition of “Absolutely Everybody” had the audience singing along and tapping their feet. The choreography by Megan Douglas and Hollie Martin was a delight, showcasing well-executed movements, smooth transitions, and creative formations that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. The “Little Dancers” also brought high energy and smiles to the stage.

Richard Ross's script masterfully included all the classic pantomime elements, with a narrative and characters that were consistently clear. However, there were moments when it felt overly verbose, leading me to occasionally question what had just been said. These denser dialogue sections need careful attention to pitch and pacing to ensure they are delivered effectively and maintain audience engagement.

The comedic duo of Pants, played by Ade Godding, and Wheezy, played by Megan Douglas, kept the audience entertained with their fun and interactive performances. Megan Douglas, who stepped in last minute, delivered as though she had been rehearsing for months. The strong on-stage relationship and energy between the duo were excellent. The leading roles of Harry and Princess was played by Jess Dyer and Angela Cooke, both played these leading characters with commitment, the duet ‘Take my Hand’ was beautifully well executed with a strong relationship demonstrated between the two characters. 

Jenny Hollinshead's entrance as Puss was unforgettable. Her stage presence and consistent portrayal of the character were commendable. Stuart Sephton, as the Dame, brought dry humour and excellent audience interaction. His comedic timing and ability to pause for audience reactions were fantastic, though a bolder costume at the start would have made an even stronger statement.

The ensemble and character numbers were well-aligned with the scene's themes and intentions, led by Musical Director, Tom Guest. The musical performances were well-rehearsed and tuneful, though in some numbers the music was slightly too loud, making some vocals hard to hear.

Technically, the pantomime was well-executed. The lighting and set design fully supported the story, and the stage crew kept blackouts minimal with their slick backstage work. There was only one moment where background noise distracted from the front-stage acting.

Overall, this pantomime was a creative delight, with strong acting, vocals, creative set designs, and fantastic costumes. It was a production not to be missed.

I'm grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality from the Society and look forward to future performances.

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