Review – Frank IIiffe – Beccles & Bungay Journal – Jan 2005
Puss is a real gem
The Loddon pantomime is back and from curtain up until the close the audience was enthralled by entertainment that words cannot adequately describe.
The story, written and directed by Joan Evans, tells the familiar tale of the triumph of good over evil, with the central character of Puss in Boots enabling one and all to live happily ever after.
Help is on hand with an excellent performance by Anthony Bunting, ably assisted by marvellous Maureen Larkin, effortlessly stealing every scene. The humour plays at a serious pace, never a dull moment, in what is essentially a real family show.
Carolyn Dover excelled as Puss in Boots, as did Gina Buntrock as a warm-hearted fairy godmother.
Mike Catling and Steve Burton contributed to the general hilarity as did Pat Potter as a Norwich City supporter, very popular with the audience.
Ian Taylor’s ogre had an effectively powerful voice and the King and Queen played by Ian Fulcher and Rosie Kipps was splendidly regal.
Maria Moore and Hannah Fulcher made a delightful Prince and Princess, while a special mention has to go to Kerri Sharpen as Penny Farthing.
The sets were amazingly good and the costumes just fabulous. Define accompaniment was, as usual, in the capable hands of Beryl Carver.
All in all, this has to be the most polished an enjoyable pantomime I have seen for a very long time. It’s a real gem of a show.
Well done to all concerned.
Sid and Dick, Princess Amalie and Nanny Goodbody are being shared and will be played on alternate nights by Graham Orpet, Melvin Frankland, Laura Lee Cox and Judith Gray respectively.
Performances continue tomorrow at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and on January 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 PM, with matinees tomorrow, January 22, and on January 29 at 2:30 PM.
There’s also an additional performance for St Raphael’s Club for the Disabled on Sunday January 23, at 2:30 PM.
