“PUSS IN BOOTS”

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31991, 19 May 1969, Page 12

“PUSS IN BOOTS”

Attractive Production “Puss in Boots,” by Nicholas Stuart Gray, presented by Canterbury Children’s Theatre. Repertory Theatre, May 17-24. Running time, 2hr 20min. This Children’s Theatre production is well worth a visit during the holidays. Saturday evening’s audience was as absorbed as it is possible for a young audience to be. And there was much to hold their attention. The story as told by Nicholas Stuart Gray introduces new and amusing characters including Dandy, the small, but by no means insignificant Royal bodyguard and the blustering General Diggory. Three ballets arranged by Doreen Herbert add colour to proceedings; the costumes are gay—Puss’s is quite spectacular—and the settings by John Hendry have a truly fairytale appearance. Lighting and sound effects are exciting and dramatic. The acting is of uniform quality. In the major roles Kevin Milne, Matthew Lewis, Adriyana Markotich, Robert Lake and Bevan Holdgate were completely caught up in the magic they were helping to create. Judith Lee was splendid as the bossy, bombastic, but loveable Puss. One fault alone marred the production, and this no doubt can be overcome at future performances: voices are not carrying, with any clarity to the back of the theatre over the almost incessant rustling that is an inevitable part of a youthfpl audience. Children’s Theatre has once again staged a production that is polished and attractive—another milestone' in its campaign to reveal the special magic of live theatre.