Archives - November 2005

THE REAL STORY OF PUSS IN BOOTS
by David Foxton

Produced by Ann Burfoot

THE PLAY

Panto, mostly, without much singing. Puss in Boots helps young Colin Miller to become Prince Charming, while Puss's owner Martha Winterhedge becomes Cinderella's fairy Godmother. Along the way, there is a wicked ogre to defeat so the Prince can have his castle and become the King's adopted son. Cinderella is transformed into the Princess Priscilla, who marries Prince Charming, while Martha becomes Queen. Obviously, Cinderella's ugly sisters and Colin's ugly brother have to get their just desserts - but all is possible, for a Puss in Boots!

FROM THE GROUP

Two panto stories here for the price of one. Puss in Boots & Cinderella blended together & held in place throughout by an Irish Fairy Godmother. A role that had Judith's name written all over it.
Rehearsals were rather fraught, mainly due to my insistence that the cast learn their lines early so we could concentrate on the action. With hindsight I should have been less strict. Ah well, you live & learn, even at my age.
This play proved to be more complicated than I had originally thought, so for the first time I shared decision-making & duties with a production assistant. And invaluable she was too. Thank you Mary.
Mike played a dual role in this production. Not only did we manage to get him into tights as Lord Dandini, but he operated the pyrotechnics too. That's got to be a first surely.
Again settings were minimal. The only way to do multi scenes at Findon Village Hall.
The Ogre's furniture was a large problem in every sense of the word. Peter achieved the desired result with wood & drainpipes, or so he told me. Casting diminutive Stuart as the Ogre was inspired, even if I do say so myself.
This production was particularly well received by the audience who really entered into the spirit of traditional Panto participation.
I loved doing this play, but it was hard going in places.

Ann - Producer

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