Puss in Boots

Dronfield MTG continue their long established annual Pantomime with all the usual content as they perform to the folk of Dronfield and surrounds. Their longevity explains why they continue to attract not only performers but loyal front and back stage members all so invaluable with productions of this size. All societies work as hard as each other to perform their best and often it is purely down to available budget that makes the difference. Dronfield continue the tradition of community theatre, encouraging young and not so young, a very special attribute much appreciated by all involved. The production team under the seasoned guidance of Andrea Powell along with your Musical Director Judith Hayward bring to life the story of Puss in Boots, with many a Dronfield twist. This production is full of tradition, the bench scene, baking scene, audience participation, under the water and many more not least the well-executed UV Scene. A real credit to the vision of Andrea and Judith as they fit the story around, comedy, intrigue, daftness integrated with well thought out musical numbers. The lighting and sound adding depth and atmosphere along with some excellent pieces of projections under the experienced John Pashley and Oliver Thompson.

So often when reviewing emphasis is put on all the principals when in reality a production involving so many needs so much more. Therefore, I take the opportunity to thank the management team, the production team, all the ensemble, the army of helpers producing so many excellent costumes, all the FOH , the set builders and designers, the chaperones and all the parents that loyally drop and pick up their children for every rehearsal.  All the aforementioned without whom this production would never leave the script it was written on.

As in all theatre we need characters who can hold the audience, provide the comedy, front the group numbers and tell the story. Talent within companies like yours is so often born from those early days of treading the boards as youngsters, this production has just that, mixed of course by long term established members who hopefully provide experience for newer members to learn from. King Carl by Ian Brady and Queen Camelia by Fiona Adlington bringing poise and stature whilst watching out for a suitable suitor for her GORGEOUS daughter, Princess Poppy.   The Magician by Edward Hodd, Mr Evil, the tormentor and instigator of many hisses and boos as he toyed with the audience, and Herald Herbert by Richard Gilson the Roal Gofer along with his squeaky Royal Horn announcing many a scene and situation. Four very competent performers. As earlier mentioned how lovely to see young actors combining so well. Fairy Bow Bells by Sophia Cope and Fairy Bell Bows by Evie Welsby, two beautifully performed character parts showing good dancing, poise and elegance with clear diction, well done. Henchman Here by Emily Tub and Henchman There by Kara Hawkins what a great comedy pairing you made, you must have enjoyed these roles which came over to the audience really well, not easy parts when acting so daft whilst maintaining seriousness, well done. Princess Poppy by Lily Ward, lovely character part with excellent expressions a quality singing voice and a part carried out with grace as befitting your Princess title. Bernard by Rachel Cooper Bassett, involved in so much, always a bit dipsey but performed really well, you know how to put smiles on the audiences faces, what with your memorable orange hair crazy costumes and experience taboo, great character role.

Kit by Ellie Ashmore, the talking cat, lovely singing and well worked theatrical movement, whilst maintaining the Cat character throughout, some great scenes bringing the whole Puss in Red Boots to life. Some smaller roles taken by Molly Pember and Florence Pendlebury along with Eddie Towers and Harry Welsby well done not forgetting the physical role of Molly the Cow by Mia Jo Chapman and Lindsay Ashmore.

Theatre has its ups and downs and tests societies at times, however having a policy of no such thing as a problem only a suitable solution helps. The opening night sadly saw Jack to be performed by Charlie Betts taken ill , in steps a young backstage member at the twelfth hour to undertake his role, complete with script in hand, young Finley Jowle did a wonderful job. Situations like this have such an impact on the whole cast but they dealt with it brilliantly.

 Finally, the man in a dress or should I say many. Dame Millicent by Gavin Ward gave a truly great performance as the classic dame character, comedy timing, physical presence, song and dance along with outlandish costumes changes throughout. Your years of experience bringing so many scenes to life in true Pantomime style.

A lovely evening with the characters of Puss in Boots along with such a large ensemble clearly cherishing being a part in this great production.

Thank you for your kind invitation and hospitality. I hope Charlie has recovered and wish you all well for the remaining shows,

Philip Smith

Noda North East District 6 Regional Rep

 

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