Puss in Boots

There’s no mistaking the cherished place this society holds in the heart of the community, a trip to the Milverton Panto is like joining a family get together, as the lights go down in the Hall, so the hush begins and each character is welcomed on stage like a long lost friend.

Puss in Boots is set in France in the mid 1700s; King Louis XV is on the throne and we are still in a golden era of outrageous wigs and painted aristocracy, some years before the ill-fated Louis XVI would appear. We are in a region ruled by the (apparently lonely) Duc Du Camenbert and his lovely daughter Rose. The Duc is about to hold a special masque ball to celebrate his daughter’s birthday as well as to celebrate the joining of the region in a Twinning initiative (who knew) of an English village, Milverton.  

Things are not destined to be straightforward however as the Ogre, Roquefort has an old score to settle and is seeking to sabotage the event and kidnap Rose with his less than trusty cohorts, Sneaker and Loafer. Add into the mix, the son of a lowly local trader, Maverik (encouraged by his uniquely super-powered cat)  falling instantly in love with Rose and  the village being under the protection of the gorgeous fairy Beaujolais who also happens to the ex of Roquefort  - and there you have all the ingredients of a banquet of a story.

Created entirely by Rebecca Beard, this was a lovingly crafted, witty script with a great story which was nicely paced and liberally seasoned with a host of musical favourites you could sing along with.
The work that went into the show looked like it had been months in preparation, the costumes were glorious, there were some great makeup artistry on display - particularly with Sneaker and Loafer and Puss in Boots. There were some lovely, nicely timed glitter-ball effects as one or two of the characters fell in love.

But a real star and testament to the work done was the incredible number of backdrops that had been hand painted – these were magical and I’m not convinced I’ve seen so many in a panto before. There was a glorious French market, a palace kitchen a palace ballroom, a forest AND a UV forest complete with spooky creatures - each were works of art.

The opening chorus were a cheery group, genuine smiles remained on each face and it was clear the cast were enjoying the show as much as their audience. There were some lovely performances; Fairy Beaujolais was charming, taking no nonsense from the Ogre Roquefort. He was a larger than life character very comfortable on stage, adept at keeping his character firmly in place and maintaining the plot as he good-naturedly bantered with the lively audience.  

Madame Chardonnay (full-bodied and fruity) was a lovely gentle Dame with a wickedly humorous delivery and a nice singing voice, her counterpart and ardent admirer Duc Camembert was a lovely performance with excellent comic timing which had the audience in stitches with his cheeky antics.

Sneaker and Loafer were both lovely characters and very entertaining and although they were supposed to be baddies, you couldn’t help being on their side as they bumbled their way through the show.
Each chorus member seemed to have their own part and there were some lovely cameos very nicely performed and adding richly to the humour.

Puss in Boots was played in two parts as Kitten then cat – the kitten went onto morph into Rose’s dog and, in each part was adorable and very well practised at the parts. Puss in Boots herself created a lovely character, she owned the stage and sang beautifully – her growing experience and confidence making her perfect for the role. Rose and Maverik did a great job and clearly loved their parts as did all of the juniors – well done guys!!.

This was a show packed with delicacies from the great musical choices, the fabulous scenery to the vast number of laugh out loud moments – what a night, what a show!!!

Congratulations Milverton, you smashed it!
 

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