Pantomime season is well and truly here with the TTP’s production of Puss in Boots opening last night.
Director Robert Andrews marshalled what seemed like a cast of thousands to produce a very entertaining evening with the full smorgasbord of pantomime palaver.
Michaela Arnold as the charismatic Puss in Boots, Hayley Mitchell and Theresa Dolman as the battling fairy sisters Priscilla and Pernicia, Barry Hill as the resplendent dame Queen Wendy, Frank Cwierniak as henpecked King Wally and Stephen Mulady as the ogre Grim Grab brought their story book characters merrily to life, and stirred up audience participation throughout the evening.
Amber Platten as Princess Esmeralda and Kristyn Barnes as Jack looked the part as the romantic leads and Amber’s lovely voice carried their duets. Rhiannonn Shapcott as Bobbi was enthusiastic and energetic in keeping the cast in line. The bumbling comic antics of Jasper (Harrison Morris) and Jethro (Soren Kubenk) were complemented by their long suffering loves Jaye Syson (Babs) and Georgina Giessauf (Betty).
Jo Allenby and the Monday Club produced some beautiful costumes and the behind-the-scenes dressers would have worked hard all through the performance.
This was a great opportunity for Tea Tree Players youth cast. There were some nervously quiet voices but they will strengthen as the season unfolds.
The whole production was bright and colourful and used every available entrance, exit and aisle. Sets were excellent and the lighting had an element of surprise – particularly the rabbits in the forest scene. The special effect “pyrotechnics” made me jump every time!
