Puss In Boots

Due to the bungling Casper and Hector, third brother Peter is thrown out of his home on the death of their father, leaving with nothing but a bundle and his loyal elderly cat Puss. In the land of Acadia Mother Goose using her magical powers turns Puss into a streetwise Puss in Boots and with the help of Jack Spratt and Marjory Daw, Peter rises to the status of the Marquis of Carabosse.  On his travels he falls in love with beautiful Miranda, daughter of Queen Fanny V, but will she allow a marriage he being a lowly miller’s son? We have baddies to contend with; but in true panto fashion nasty Gruesome and master Crunchbones are defeated, and the couple are allowed to marry.  Ah!  Refreshments during the interval were well received as it was chilly in the hall. Another good A5 shiny black/white 8 page programme gave plenty of detail. Unseen, Margaret Smart did a sterling job on the piano. Good music – well known, both live and backing tapes. I would particularly compliment Rona Morton as Queen Fanny with her two numbers ‘Before the Parade Passes By’ and ‘With You on My Arm’. Six exciting dance numbers were included, with an excellent rendition of ‘Reach for the Stars’, the Ensemble finale. ESSPA under the guidance of Chloe-Eloise added dance sequences and it was encouraging to see young men dance and tap too. Elisabeth Doust was responsible for ensemble country dances adding toe tapping movement. Margaret Osgood and Maureen Payne created charming sets with well painted backdrops, including a delightful lakeside and village with interesting additions - pile of logs, a great collection of kitchen utensils and the spooky castle, not forgetting those two lampposts designed by Gill Dyer.  Under  Graham Payne’s guidance back stage ran smoothly. Puss had excellent feline features looking resplendent in Musketeer cape and headgear.  Jac Young and Lyn Ford, dressed the players in character - very colourful chequered outfits for the comedy brothers together with matching hats and colourful socks, Mother Goose in her bonnet, regal Queen and Princess with  Crunchbones sinister plus Gruesome also quite evil in black.  There were jolly villagers, smart chefs, and Peter appeared quite dashing in his glad rags. Sound fine for the most part, although sometimes a screech on kickback.  Atmospheric additions designed and operated by Lynn Moir. Lyn directed and performed which is a lot of hard work and with assistants Elisabeth and Jac Young created an enjoyable tale, with the added attraction of well choreographed movement from both ESSPA and ensemble. Imogen Beale as Jack Spratt played opposite Natalie Smith Marjory Daw, working well together. Slapstick came from Richard Baszczak as Hector with Malcolm Atfield as Casper. I liked Elisabeth’s rhyming script as Mother Goose. Fleur Sayers coped well transforming from moggy to Puss who ‘purred’ beautifully. Rona was a most elegant Queen teaming with Jenny Taylor, lovable page Freckles. Queenie’s daughter Miranda was nicely portrayed by Jac.  Noisy reaction to Dave Bourne’s intimidating Gruesome and Conor O’Hara’s Crunchbones beating his staff - lovely accent, not forgetting Ken Duce the perfect gent as Lord Chamberlain. Chorus members Meryl Beamont, Shirley Hazelden, Gwyneth Ludkin and Conor (Act One) appeared to be enjoying themselves throughout.

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