Puss in Boots
Park Productions
Date:
13 March 2014
Venue:
Burn Park Church Sunderland
Type of Production:
Pantomime
Producer / Director:
Ken Thain and Alwyn Coats
Musical Director:
Suzy Wake
Review
Author: Peter Oliver
Park Productions showcased their pantomime for 2014, their first in three years. Puss in Boots also welcomed some new faces to the society’s cast list and, complemented the existing members. The pantomime was produced by Ken Thain and Alwyn Coats, and the backing tracks were coordinated by Musical Director Suzy Wake, which I particularly enjoyed.
The story of Puss in Boots was interspersed with lively songs and audience participation. The show opened with an introduction by Fairy Aurora played by Suzy Wake who had nice clear dictation and was well costumed and set the scene for the remaining of the show.
Steve White, as Dame Hermione, gave a good performance having good interaction with the audience and the other characters. His portrayal was funny and he delivered his songs with confidence. I did worry at one point when I thought he was going to lose his trousers, but he kept his modesty and his trousers. Ralph, Dame Hermione’s son, was played by Emma Bailey who gave a strong performance, her stature and air of confidence being just right for the part. Elma Mogan, as Ogre Hardcast, gave a good performance and I liked the mask and the way she sounded. Natalie Bowmaker played Sprat, the faithful ogre’s assistant, and Noreen Reay, as the Town Crier commanded the stage well, as did June Whitfield as the Herald. Jim Kirkland’s King Oliphant was good and he remained in character throughout. I particularly liked the musical number “Galloping Major” which he performed with the chorus. Joyce Howe, as Queen Oliphant, gave a good performance, as did Kathleen Carter playing Chancellor Claud Dullbody, giving good characterisation throughout her role. Katrina Wake, as Princess Coral, gave a good performance and delivered her musical numbers with confidence. I especially like the duet “Somewhere Out There” performed with Emma Bailey. A good performance from Nick Thompson playing Trip with lots of energy, and his cheekiness came across to the audience well, as did his sing-along with Suzy Wake. Joan Hardy and Nicole Kelly played Flugum 1 and 2, and Shannon Gilmore gave a good interpretation of the soldier, as did Joan Stoddart, as the ghost, and Elizabeth Gair as Daisy, the maypole queen. But without doubt the best performance was from Olivia Knowles in her first role with the society as Puss. She had good stage presence and her characterisation and singing was good. A special note to the courtiers and villagers, Alwyn Coats, Janet Logan and Margaret Metcalf.
Congratulations must go to the creative team who played a vital role in enhancing the work of the cast. The costumes made by Noreen Reay and June Whitfield were to a good standard, as was the set which brought colour and life to this well known tale.
Well done to you all I thoroughly enjoyed your unique interpretation of Puss in Boots. It was so good to see the new young members in the society and how much they enjoyed taking part in this production. Thank you for the invitation and the kindness the front of house staff showed me.
Park Productions
Date:
13 March 2014
Venue:
Burn Park Church Sunderland
Type of Production:
Pantomime
Producer / Director:
Ken Thain and Alwyn Coats
Musical Director:
Suzy Wake
Review
Author: Peter Oliver
Park Productions showcased their pantomime for 2014, their first in three years. Puss in Boots also welcomed some new faces to the society’s cast list and, complemented the existing members. The pantomime was produced by Ken Thain and Alwyn Coats, and the backing tracks were coordinated by Musical Director Suzy Wake, which I particularly enjoyed.
The story of Puss in Boots was interspersed with lively songs and audience participation. The show opened with an introduction by Fairy Aurora played by Suzy Wake who had nice clear dictation and was well costumed and set the scene for the remaining of the show.
Steve White, as Dame Hermione, gave a good performance having good interaction with the audience and the other characters. His portrayal was funny and he delivered his songs with confidence. I did worry at one point when I thought he was going to lose his trousers, but he kept his modesty and his trousers. Ralph, Dame Hermione’s son, was played by Emma Bailey who gave a strong performance, her stature and air of confidence being just right for the part. Elma Mogan, as Ogre Hardcast, gave a good performance and I liked the mask and the way she sounded. Natalie Bowmaker played Sprat, the faithful ogre’s assistant, and Noreen Reay, as the Town Crier commanded the stage well, as did June Whitfield as the Herald. Jim Kirkland’s King Oliphant was good and he remained in character throughout. I particularly liked the musical number “Galloping Major” which he performed with the chorus. Joyce Howe, as Queen Oliphant, gave a good performance, as did Kathleen Carter playing Chancellor Claud Dullbody, giving good characterisation throughout her role. Katrina Wake, as Princess Coral, gave a good performance and delivered her musical numbers with confidence. I especially like the duet “Somewhere Out There” performed with Emma Bailey. A good performance from Nick Thompson playing Trip with lots of energy, and his cheekiness came across to the audience well, as did his sing-along with Suzy Wake. Joan Hardy and Nicole Kelly played Flugum 1 and 2, and Shannon Gilmore gave a good interpretation of the soldier, as did Joan Stoddart, as the ghost, and Elizabeth Gair as Daisy, the maypole queen. But without doubt the best performance was from Olivia Knowles in her first role with the society as Puss. She had good stage presence and her characterisation and singing was good. A special note to the courtiers and villagers, Alwyn Coats, Janet Logan and Margaret Metcalf.
Congratulations must go to the creative team who played a vital role in enhancing the work of the cast. The costumes made by Noreen Reay and June Whitfield were to a good standard, as was the set which brought colour and life to this well known tale.
Well done to you all I thoroughly enjoyed your unique interpretation of Puss in Boots. It was so good to see the new young members in the society and how much they enjoyed taking part in this production. Thank you for the invitation and the kindness the front of house staff showed me.