PUSS IN BOOTS

PUSS IN BOOTS
This panto offers the attraction of novelty to add to all the usual colour, music and fun.

The material is begged, borrowed and ‘stolen’ from many sources, and director Geoff Coventry keeps up the steady pace with a judicious mix of all the traditional ingredients. The humour ranges from the down-to-earth to the witty.

Musical director Shirley Thynne once again provides sympathetic support, and the choreography is in the highly experienced hands of Wendy Holmes. Sam Holmes, providing a laid back feline with some  found Julie Farmer in the thigh-slapping principal boy role, with Emma Longbottom as the sweet and lovely Princess Coral.  Paula Powell and Mike Temple clashed as Fairy Aurora (with little helpers Jane Hooper and Bridget O’Connor) and the evil Ogre who was assisted by Sue Plant as his servant Sprat.  Katherine Jacobs was feisty Maisy who also falls for Ralph while pursued by Gareth Holmes as Trip, a Hooray Henry with comically strangulated vowels. Broad comedy comes from  was forceful as King Oliphant and Jim Black scored as his Chancellor. There’s goodwill, drive and energy in this happy family show.

Bill Stone Western Evening Herald 6th Dec 2001
(edited for length)

N.O.D.A Review
“Working from a NODA script by L H Caddy this was a splendid production full of humour that made me laugh out loud which I seldom do.  Starting with the traditional rhyming introductions from the good fairy and the evil ogre this set the tone for the rest of the show.  From the first entrance of the dame who attacked us with a strong delivery that never faltered the audience were on side.  I could not fault the cast in any way they were all excellent.  I must congratulate Gareth Holmes who played Trip in the style of the Harry Enfield character (Tim nice but Dim) also his brother Samuel Holmes for his suave performance as Puss in Boots.  The chorus and dancers moved and used the stage to the best advantage and the only ‘fault’ was a shortage of that endangered species MEN.  A colourful set by The Scene Dock and beautiful costumes *Theatre Royal and Loopy Looks) enhanced this production which from start to finish was well written and well structured.  I could go on about this show but I will just say excellent.”