Thursday 12 April 2007

Pantomime Review. Puss In Boots


A new world record was set at the Kenton Theatre with Mike Hurst’s’ Pantomime production of Puss In Boots performed by 23 of his own relatives, his children, the in-laws, grandchildren and his wife, as they raised money to donate to this Henley On Thames theatre - the 3rd oldest in the country.

As the curtain opened, the magic began as we were transported very rapidly back to ‘ye olde days’ and met almost the entire cast in a swinging singing opening chorus, setting the style, pace and level of corny jokes early on in the production. We journeyed with Puss, and (Muffin) takes the cast and audience through scene to scene in as the story unfolded, about a poor man who is given a cat by his father.

The talking cat helps his master by gaining the King’s favour. First, he catches a rabbit, and takes it to the King saying it is a gift from his master. Then, by cunning, he manages to get some fine clothes, and finally a castle. The King is convinced Puss in Boots master is worthy of his daughters hand, and the tale ends with the accepted wedding proposal. The costumes, songs, and atmosphere were created with the children of the audience in mind, and the jokes were definitely to tickle the adults, as our subject matter started with Kinky Boots, weapons of mass destruction, political puns and fox hunting are all subject matter for Mike’s hilarious, yet traditionally corny script. Transformation scene from a giant to a mouse included pyrotechnics. Mikes older children, and in laws were cast in the main character parts, and between them they played the stronger parts of the show with humour, and continuous laughs were introduced by the three peasants, who were dragged onto staged.

‘The fleas’ were played by the grandchildren, whose ages ranged from 2 – 6, who undoubtedly stole the show, with their sparkly costumes, and endearing rendition of ‘underneath the armpits’. The Giant – was brilliant, with a character that filled the stage. Mike Hurst has retained a traditional Pantomime story, updated it with modern giggles, and did not miss a single opportunity to make the most of the talents of the cast.

It is obvious that there were a few nervous faces, but the hours of practise shone through for this talented, comical, and versatile family performance that never lost its own sense of humour. Between them, they performed an exuberant and hilarious Pantomime, and it is evident from the delighted reception that the packed audience gave them, that the magic really shone through. No doubt after all the thigh slapping for this family onstage, there followed lots of back-patting over the opening of their Christmas presents.

FEATURE WRITER, FREELANCE paulabxx@gmail.com