Puss In Boots at the Belgrade Theatre (29/11/19)

Review by Callum Wallace.

What a brilliant start the the wonderful Christmas tradition that is pantomime? Oh yes it was!

The magical story of Puss In Boots is bought to life on stage by a stellar cast of performers until the 11 of January. A panto not often performed any more. But as soon as the curtain rose you knew you’d be in good hands for the next two and a half hours.

Starting with our narrator figure Fairy Flutterby (Aimee Louise Bevan) who, with a kind face and gentle voice, helped guide the audience through the story well. To welcome the stars of the show. This year in the form of the Pudding family; Dame Matilda and her son Simon. Played by the amazing Iain Lauchlan and Craig Hollingsworth respectively.

The pair work wonderfully together on stage and their chemistry and comedic style has been perfectly formed over the many years they have worked together. Their timing and stage presence was evident; managing to make age old pantomime gags new, fresh and evermore hilarious.

Another stand out performance for me has to be Peter Watts as the evil Victor Grabitt; henchman to the Ogre who terrorises the town of Baggy Bottom. His villainous voice, in addition to his grotesque facial expressions created one of the best pantomime villains I have ever seen. He also can seriously sing!

Rounding off the cast are Joanna Thorne as the titular Puss in Boots; Miriam Grace Edwards as strong Princess Sophia and David Holbrook as the bumbling King Colin. All these actors work wonderfully well together as a brilliant team, what is truly needed in the cast of a pantomime such as this.

The main cast are backed up by an amazing Ensemble of both professional dancers and a team of Children, and having seen team “Butterfly” I can say they are incredible. Mastering impressive choreography and bringing all the energy they could.

It is also worth mentioning that not only did Iain Lauchlan star as the same but he also wrote the script! And if that wasn’t enough for him, he also directed the show. Oh yes he did!!

A wonderful and hilarious treat for the family this Christmas.

If you want to enjoy more theatrical entertainment then listen to The Sound Of Musicals every Sunday from 5pm until 6pm.