Puss in Boots

Having attended several pantomimes performed by Hereford Amateur Pantomime Society it is now as welcome as the reduction in traffic during February half term week. I look forward to both!

This year it was Puss in Boots – last performed by HAPS way back in 1993, yes 32 years ago!

The show opened as is tradition with the good fairy, Fairy Priscilla who was full of rhyme played by Natasha Naylor stage right and Pernicia (not Patricia) stage left. Pernicia, henchperson to the baddie, was suitably nasty played by Heather Marshall.  Both receiving their cheers and boos from the start by an enthusiastic audience.

To the village of Much- Rabbiting -on-the- Wye we go. Bobby announces that the King and Queen are due to go on a walkabout seeking a suiter for their daughter the Princess Esmeralda.  At the same time the Miller’s written Will is about to be read as it is a year since his death. His sons Jasper and Jethro inherit everything, money and the mill. His adopted son, Jack inherits the cat!

Jasper played by Caitlin Archer and Jethro played by Hazel-Freya Thomas worked well together in their pursuit of Babs and Betty, played well by Molly Fraser and Olivia Davies.

Trying to keep order throughout the show was Hannah James-Fagg who gave a confident and commanding performance.  While Lydia Denton gave a good performance as the somewhat naïve Princess Esmeralda.

Samantha Naylor as Jack, our principal boy, was convincing in acting and stance as they claimed to be the Marquis of Carabes (of course it turned out they really were).

The title role of Puss was played by a young Yasin Zan. Yasin initially had great mannerisms as the cat. Once he had the boots a change from all fours to a character with great presence.

The King and Queen were paired partially well together. Steve Raven was wonderful as Queen Wendy the Once, speaking for King Wally the Won’t, and milking every inch from the jokes, telling us there were many so to make the most of them. King Wally who looked very regal was played by a suitably tormented Graham Jones simply saying, ‘Yes dear’ until finally picking up the courage to speak for himself.

Finally, Rob Magee encouraged his boos as Grimgrab the Ogre. The scene whereby Jasper and Jethro along with Grimgrab needed to get increasingly confused or frustrated regarding the bed head with the crown versus the bed with the knobs was well delivered.

The ensemble was somewhat busy in this production with a good selection of musical numbers. They were well drilled in the movement which had come together well. I most certainly noticed some very energic younger members of the ensemble.

The lighting was good as was sound balance for the taped music. The sets were of a good quality including numerous back cloths. Set changes were well carried out with little disruption to the running of the show. As music was backing tracks these changes could not be covered easily with music so speed was essential.

Costumes were suitable to the characters roles. The purple walkdown costumes provided a colourful final image.

The community song was fun – thank you for the Andy Brown from NODA shout out.

It is always a pleasure to meet up with Louise Hickey MBE, President of HAPS, during the interval who took on the role of prompt for this production as well as other members of HAPS, who are always wonderfully welcoming – so thank you.

In summary another great evening with NODA members – Hereford Amateur Pantomime Company.  I most certainly look forward to seeing one and all next February for ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

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