Puss In Boots

SS Simon & Judes ADS’ panto is Puss in Boots with kind permission adapted by David and Stella Crank.

The sets looked colourful and bold and I particularly liked the forest back drop in green and purple. Scenery Construction Colin Dean and Painting, John Mulraney. Lighting and Sound all worked to enhance the production although the night I was there I think mics had been left on and there was backstage talking throughout (hope it didn’t distract the actors on stage?). That said the voice over and everything else worked well. Lighting and Sound Wayne Gibson and Pater Dickinson.

The chorus were a delight and the Backstreet Boys number was great, Choreographer was Jennifer Cooper. The costumes looked just the part and the opening number was colourful as was the finale in blue. The little mouse costume was adorable. Costumes by Chris Wynn and Stella Crank.

Stella Crank directs and as always gives people a chance to shine and work with a group of experienced people. It has a real community feel about it.

Lindsay Taylor plays the Solicitor trying to give good news but gets the run around. Suzanne Smith plays Jack de Flash who is actually a Jack of all trades around the Palace doing all the odd jobs. Dame Sarah (The Palace Cook) was played by Denise Anderson and gets a nice surprise at the end of the show so that no one has to eat her steak pies anymore.

David Crank plays Professor Grimm (An Evil Scientist) who just happens to be able to shapeshift. David looked splendid in the black and white striking outfit almost like a rockstar. His evil plotting alas coming to no good.

Princess Rosalind played by Libby Kershaw a modern-day princess with sass and a finale outfit to die for. Played opposite Heather Cooper playing Tom the youngest brother and in disguise as the marquis. Plotting to over throw the Professor Grimm and save the Princess. Tom’s older brothers were Dick played by Charlie Roberts and Harry played by Chris Roberts. The highlight for me was the singalong I Don’t’ Like Your Peaches - just hilarious (you probably heard me laughing)! The perfect silly song and Charlie you were great fun - I loved your air of not knowing what was going on through the show and why were you there. I would push that even more (and milk it), with Harry the good foil as a double act.

Colin Dean takes on the role of King Rollo who has a secret crush on Dame Sarah but not her pies. Colin took the role in his stride and delivered a great character and good interaction with the rest of the cast.

Jessica Mulraney played Molly (a villager). Jessica is usually a dancer and in the chorus - her first time taking a part. Her diction and stage presence were great and definitely one to watch. Well done.

Last but not least was Puss in Boots played by Jennifer Cooper. With style and grace on stage Jennifer gave us the purr-fect well-heeled cat. Moving the story along and saving the day and working well with the rest of the cast. Great work.

Thank you for the invite and hospitality SSSJ from my guest Angela and I and lovely to see a different Panto.

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.