Written by Jo Smith
Directed by Val Coombs

"Adapted by Jo Smith" it said in the programme - well, indeed it was, in fact, as far as I could see, it was completely different from the original. Not that it mattered, it was extremely well adapted, and of course, well acted by the Players as always. There was the introduction by Good Puss and Bad Puss to set the scene, then the appearance of their son, the wonderful Puss, a talking cat! who really kept us up to date with what was going on. The appearance of a group of enthusiastic and well disciplined children was a delight, and their dancing and singing really made the show (accompanied by the adults of course). There was Widow Marzipan, really 'in charge', and her son Charlie, her daughter Jill, a close family and very fond of the Puss. Princess Lucinda was a lovely girl, anxious to find a husband not chosen by her family, King Tony and Queen Cherie. She falls for Charlie. He is a poorish boy, so this causes all sorts of complications until they beat the 'Ogre' Big Boot and his Mafia-like assistants Bad 1 and Set 2, and gain the palace in which they finally get married. Plus the couplings of Widow Marzipan and Humphrey, and Jill and Jack (or Jack & Jill?).

The audience were definitely in panto mood - the booing, shouting, cheering and various other noises! were deafening, which of course is what a good panto is all about. There were many songs, unusual ones of course which one doesn't normally hear in this kind of show, like 'Putting on the Ritz' for instance, and most of the songs had the words changed to fit in with the circumstances - very well done to whoever organised this.

There were many stars, so it is difficult to pick them out. Sue Ovell, as Widow Marzipan, definitely excelled this time - she was so funny but also extremely erudite. I heard almost every word she said, even the asides, (and her conversation with the prompt on the first night!). Poor Humphrey, Mike Overy, was completely won over by this 'over the top' woman, and even appeared to enjoy her advances - poor man! Sue also has a very good voice, as of course most of the Medstead singers have, so it was nice to hear all these songs.

Sue Millett and Kerry Prior sang very nicely together and separately. There was a super skeleton dance in the dark with four of the children and the rest of the dancing was excellent too. Big Boot was actually a real enormous boot on the end of a ten foot high trouser leg, with a very frightening booming voice, and his two assistants Stuart Laidlaw and Nicki Tindale were very amusing, (supposed to be threatening), and sang very well, despite having to clutch their musical instrument cases or rifle cases all the time. Stan Whitcher for once was almost normal, except for his passion for gardening.

Congratulations to the cast and the hard-working backstage crew who always put on super scenery and lighting. Well done again Medstead Players, you are the tops!
[Jean Gebbett]

Puss in Boots was a captivating family panto aided by clever cats and several strong, witty characters. The endearing talents of Widow Marzipan played by Sue Ovell drove the show towards fun and laughter.

The musical adaptations were entertaining with a couple of great sing-along songs that really got the audience going! The climatic song "You're the one that I want" received enthusiastic audience participation with many dancing on their feet! There was some terrific dancing on stage too.

Cunning scenery brought you into the mood of the production and the marvellous costumes were a real delight. The up-and-coming talents from the young people are also worth a mention.

The adaptation was well written by Jo Smith and Val Coombs' direction ensured it was another winner from the Medstead Players!
[D Barnes]

The Medstead Players' Christmas Pantomime 'Puss in Boots' was great fun, with the enthusiasm and enjoyment of the cast transmitting to the audience right from the start of the show.

Good Puss and Bad Puss (Janice and Peter Hopwood-Hall) as parents of the title character portrayed the forces of good and evil, who would influence their offspring's decision-making later in the story. They set the scene for the traditional tale of how Charlie, the impoverished miller's son, eventually becomes the Marquis of Carabas, thanks to the cunning of his amazing talking cat 'Puss' who outwits the wicked ogre 'Big Boot'.

Sue Millett played Charlie, who falls in love with Lucie (Kerry Prior), not knowing that she is really Princess Lucinda. Jude Runnalls superbly made-up as 'Puss' was perky and friendly, immediately building a good rapport with the audience. Sue Ovell as the dame character of the show revelled in the part of 'Widow Marzipan' Charlie's bossy and wonderfully over-the-top mother.

The knockabout comedy duo was provided by Big Boots' men (Stuart Laidlaw and Nicki Tindale) dressed like the Blues Brothers, complete with machine gun/violin cases. Their appearance was inevitably greeted with loud booing!

Love interest, as well as Charlie and Princess Lucinda, was charmingly provided by Jack (Michael Fletcher) and Jill (Emily Magennis-Prior) as two young village friends of Charlie.

Princess Lucinda's parents - King Tony (Stan Whitcher) and Queen Cherie (Carol Bedingfield) were permanently strapped for cash (sound familiar??) and always looking for a way to make their fortune by marrying off their daughter to a rich prince. However, the King's main passion was gardening, and his achievement of growing a giant prize-winning marrow for the Royal Horticultural Show, gave Stan the chance to lead the audience in a rousing rendition of "Oh What a Beauty" - much enjoyed by all.

Humphrey the Major Domo (Mike Overy) who failed dismally in his attempts to keep the King in line, was no match for Widow Marzipan when she set out to ensnare him, and their duet "You're the One that I Want (Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!)" brought the house down. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John weren't a patch on this version!

The young members of the Players took their parts confidently and mention must be made of the costumes, the dancing and the special effects (particularly the swimming in the river sequences) which all added to the attractiveness of their contribution.

The Backstage Crew, always the unsung heroes of any production, did a marvellous job. Continuity between scenes was slick and the sets themselves impressive, particularly the Ogre's Boot. Costumes and make-up were colourful and eye-catching, adding overall to the visual impact of each scene. The skeleton dancers, with their bones glowing in ultra-violet light, were very effective.

The musical numbers were all familiar tunes and slotted in briskly, so the impetus of the panto didn't flag. The Medstead Players were extremely fortunate in having the talents of Helena Hunt as piano accompanist, who was a great help to all the cast.

Over the years, the Medstead Players have built up a reputation for good traditional family pantomimes and this year's production was certainly one of the best. Congratulations to Val Coombs (Director), Anita Prior (Producer) and all the team for putting on such an excellent show.
[Pam Kercher]

Well done Medstead Players, one and all, I laughed until I cried and that was in all three performances. I really do hate pantomimes but as I had been asked to help front of house, I could not say 'no' and duly went along to do my duty. I am so glad I did. I had two lovely evenings and one afternoon of bedlam. But it was worth every minute.

The cast were great, costumes wonderful and make-up magnificent. Everything was planned to time, but of course, that did not happen - that's what makes a pantomime so great. Every performance has its warts, but the cast were brilliant to work over and through it all.

Everyone else concerned, some seen, some neither seen nor heard, all did their bit and put on a wonderful show. I enjoyed every minute of it and I'm sure a lot of others did too.
[Kathie Hoff]