PUSS IN BOOTS. To 7 January.

Chipping Norton

PUSS IN BOOTS
by Simon Brett

Chipping Norton Theatre To 7 January 2006
26-30 Dec 4pm & 7.30pm, 31 Dec 2pm & 5.30pm, 2-7 Jan 4.30pm & 7.45pm
Audio-described 3 Jan 7.45pm
BSL Signed 4 Jan
Runs 2hr 10min One interval

TICKETS: 01608 642350
www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 24 December

Bright, light, but less illuminating on panto possibilities.
It’s usual when talking about professional ‘community theatre’ to mean a company working in an urban, socially challenging area. But the indulgent commitment towards their local professional panto by audiences in this affluent area of Oxfordshire (Oh yes, it is) would take some beating. Mind you, there was a greater element of take than give on show as Christmas approached.

After a liberal showering with sweets early on, this audience would offer no help without the prospect of further bribes. They’d be the despair of Amnesty, not even helping innocent, shackled prisoners escape unless more sweeties could be forthcoming. Whatever sort of fairies this audience might believe in, it isn’t tooth-fairies. It all goes to show the wisdom of the teacher at Pantoland Primary (in Glasgow Tron’s offering this year) that the goodies should be reserved for later.

Simon Brett either needs to learn this point or devote a substantial part of his royalties to help out the Theatre’s confectionery budget. That apart, he efficiently provides the necessary ingredients, including a delightful, impoverished family of Millers, a lively, resourceful Puss and, in Ross Millen a tall, dark, distinctly unhandsomely villainous Ogre (who might indulge himself more in enjoying the boos).

It’s all very pleasant, Simon Higlett providing an attractive, flexible setting built round the Mill (brightly lit by Paul Need) and contrasted later by the Ogre’s gloomy dungeon. But Brett leaves the Miller siblings underdeveloped. Having established their separate natures, he makes something of Will’s journey to decisiveness, a little of Jill’s eventually-cured inability to smile, but nothing of Lil’s uncertainty or her comforting connection with Wonky the Donkey (itself written out of the later story).

Chipping Norton director Caroline Sharman clearly gives her audience what they want and expect. But she should make more of Stephen Glover’s Miller mother. A smile and camp voice don’t by themselves make a great Dame; there’s room for this central performance to exploit the intimacy this auditorium provides between stage and both audience levels, besides using the space for the inevitable chase. But the audience was happy – and not just with its sweets.

Jill Miller: Catherine Potter
Lil: Miller: Tasha Johnson
Will Miller: James Crooke
Phyll Miller: Stephen Glover
Wonky the Donkey: Laura Frederick, Dave Hickman
Puss in Boots: Daniel Martin
Princess Berengaria: Laura Frederick
King Christo: Andrew Piper
Ogre: Ross Millen
Red Pippins: Faye McKeever, Conrad Palejowska, Peter Ryecroft, Jodie Tyack, Sam Weston, Ruby Young
Blue Pippins: Rebekah Burman, Danielle Gardner, Sam John, Nico Mendoza, Rory Salter, India Shawe-Smith
Swings: Jack Cunningham, Alice Jackman

Director: Caroline Sharman
Designer: Simon Higlett
Lighting: Paul Need
Composer/Musical Director: Peter Pontzen
Choreographer/Assistant Director: Tim Claydon
Costume: Angela Dodson

2005-12-28 12:03:50