Robin Belfield has written and directed this year’s Pantomime at Theatre Royal Winchester. Puss in Boots is billed as a traditional family Pantomime and it lives up to its title. It is a festive treat using traditional themes rather than pop music and celebrities.

The storyline takes the audience on the adventure of Colin played by Liam Watson who is looking for his happy ever after. Unfortunately, he is incredibly clumsy and can’t seem to get anything right, although the audience loved him.

Then we meet Old King Cole (Andrew Wheaton) whose decided his daughter Princess Claribelle (Jess Lobo) needs to find a husband. Although she agrees in principle she doesn’t want her father to decide on her future.

No spoilers as this is the way romance works its magic in Pantomime land the couple meet and fall in love. The path of true love has to battle its way through the meddling of Fluella Frostbite or Pantomime “baddie” played by Emma Fenney who absolutely rocks the “boos and jeers” and encourages the audience to give it their best shot.

Puss is played by Bekah Selina who has a sassy, fantastic stage presence and an abundance of “cattitude” and looks absolutely stunning.

Pantomimes are never complete without a bold and outspoken Dame, this year Julian Eardley returns to Winchester and takes on the role of Dame Dolly Duster.

There are the familiar themes throughout the Pantomime from the audience interactions with “oh no it isn’t”, “they are behind you” and the engaging Twelve Days of Christmas song, who doesn’t like a roll of toilet rolls being thrown around. Although they have done the sensible thing and each of the rolls is covered in plastic.

Costume makers and wardrobe supervisor Melanie Luff, Corrinne Paddock and Luke Wateridge have created a fabulous range of costumes from the rats, Puss looks particularly elegant in the tailored jacket and of course, the finale wedding scene.

For more information about Puss in Boots and future productions at Theatre Royal Winchester please use the link below.

Four Stars.

Photos credit Danny Kaan

https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/