Puss in Cowboy Boots

I never cease to be amazed by the transformation that takes place on stage with this group every year. I should be used to it by now but at the end of every year I look at the list of members leaving and think what now. I needn’t worry because the next front line is ready to take over having honed their skills during the past few years. What a model this is for supporting the future of amateur theatre.

The usual Spotlight format applied where the young people on stage are divided into three groups, each group representing the range of ages of the members.

The Governor’s Entourage was led by Liam Wilkes (Mr Trippledecker), Nadine Hewitt (Mrs Trippledecker), Ben Coleman (Olly Trippledecker), Sadie Groves (The PA, Gloria Vandertransit) and Jake Sylvester (Kingmaker – The Agent). They were all convincing in their roles demonstrating very good acting, singing and dancing skills. The were well supported by an ensemble in many of the routines.

The Black Hand Gang consisted of the Gibbs family led by Zach Andrews (Jethro), Leah Gallagher (Pollyanna), Charlotte Farmer (Jessie Jane), Mabel Deakin (Fanny Oakley), Reece Hall (Jethro Junior) and Nancy Arnold (Grandma). This very talented group also demonstrated what good allrounders they as singers, dancers and actors. They also had singing voices showing a maturity beyond their years. Much of the humour came from this group as they tried to be tougher than they really were. They were also backed by an enthusiastic and talented ensemble.

The Townies were led by the Cassidy sisters and these roles were in the experienced hands of Becky Cartwright (Lisa Marie), Charlotte Carter (Elvissa) and Brooke John (Pricilla). They worked well together with Brooke also providing the boy meets girl romance with Ben Coleman. There was also strong support from Ellie Coleman (Natalie P Garret – The Lawyer), Alfie Stokes (Aaron P Biblethumper – The Vicar) and James Mason (James W Earp – The Sheriff). Once again, I was impressed by their skills as performers making the audience forget the ages of the performers. The ensemble backing this group were also talented and obviously enjoying their stage experience.

Underpinning all this action was Emily Hardy (Puss). It was part of her role to warm up the audience and to keep them on track with the story. She demonstrated a strong stage presence, good acting and dancing skills and although she didn’t have much opportunity as a soloist, she obviously also has a strong singing voice. She wasn’t afraid to ad-lib when necessary.

I was very impressed with some of the harmony singing with some of the small group of girls deserving special mention.

The colourful costumes, lighting plot and sound all contributed to the overall success of the production. The choreography was slick and their were very inventive routines. I must also congratulate the directors for ensuring that the dialogue was well paced. The band were supportive of the action and the ‘country’ base of many of the songs benefitted from the addition of the violin in the pit.

A huge congratulation goes to everyone on stage, back stage and front of house. Well done!

 

 

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