#BrumHour Networking with Birmingham
Join #BrumHour Sundays at 8pm on Twitter to network with #Birmingham
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Business
  • Community
  • Theatre and Arts
    • Theatre Reviews
  • About #BrumHour
    • Sponsoring BrumHour
    • BrumHour Archive (2015-18)
Joanna Thorne as Puss in Boots photo by Robert Day
30th November, 2019

Review: Puss in Boots at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

This isn’t sponsored post.
BrumHour was invited to see Puss in Boots by Belgrade Theatre.

For Interval Theatre on Brum Radio, Dave Massey spoke to Iain Lauchlan and Craig Hollingsworth about their work with Puss in Boots.

By Dave Massey twitter.com/BrumHour

Puss in Boots at
Belgrade Theatre

Written and Directed by Iain Lauchlan

Joanna Thorne as Puss in Boots photo by Robert Day

Puss in Boots is at Belgrade Theatre in Coventry until 11th January 2020 and tells the story of miller’s son Simon Pudding (Craig Hollingsworth). After his father’s death, Simon and his mother Matilda (Iain Lauchlan) are told by King Colin (David Gilbrook) that they can live in the family’s mill for the rest of their days.

That is, until, a mysterious will is discovered by Victor Grabitt (Peter Watts) saying they can be evicted and the property can be used by Victor as an “Airbnb”. This is particularly surprising as Simon’s father couldn’t even write.

Good Fairy Flutterby (Aimee Bevan) appears and turns Simon’s cat into Puss in Boots (Joanna Thorne), Puss sets off to help Simon by wooing King Colin’s daughter Princess Sophia (Miriam Grace Edwards) and helping expose Victor’s fraud.

Peter Watts as Victor Grabbit photo by Robert Day

Filled with fun, cheeky performances by Iain Lauchlan as panto Dame Matilda, a solidly mean villain in Peter Watts who is dressed as an evil jester. This production gives Craig Hollingworth the chance to be a great leading man (normally played by a woman at Belgrade theatre), rather than the comedy sidekick.

The Belgrade Theatre’s panto is one of the most traditional family pantomimes in the midlands region and this year it looks more polished than ever. There are lots of jokes for the grown-ups too which will fly over the heads of anyone under 12.

Aimee Louise Bevan as Fairy Flutterby photo by Robert Day

I was worried the real story of Puss in Boots wouldn’t fill out the whole two hours and five minutes (plus interval), but in the more than capable hands of writer and director Iain Lauchlan, there are several plot elements added to flesh out the story. Simon deciding he wants to be an Instagram sensation as a rapper called Baggie B (instagram.com/baggybeee) was particularly fun. As was the video showing central Coventry as part of the story.

The costumes, set and lighting are wonderful and really utilise every inch of the space. Even allowing for an evil ogre transformation right before the audience’s eyes.

Iain Lauchlan as Matilda and Craig Hollingsworth as Simon Pudding photo by Robert Day

A great night out for the whole family with lots of audience involvement and even some cheeky non-scripted moments make this production loved by the audience who return year on year.

Puss in Boots is at Belgrade Theatre in Coventry until 11th January. Book tickets here: belgrade.co.uk/event/puss-in-boots


This isn’t a sponsored post.

When not writing about theatre for BrumHour, or producing Interval Theatre for Brum Radio (Tuesdays 3pm) brumradio.com/intervaltheatre,
Dave Massey can be found eating crisps and tweeting about Birmingham for #BrumHour.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Review: The Boy in the Dress at The RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon Two FREE new exhibitions launch at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
The Play That Goes Wrong 2022 Cast
Theatre and Arts

Review: The Play That Goes Wrong at The Alexandra

Key to the City Photo Denise Lensi
Theatre and Arts

Fierce: Key to the City with Birmingham 2022 Festival

BRB x The Rep 2022
Theatre and Arts

Experience: Birmingham Royal Ballet: Studio to Stage at Birmingham Rep

Search

Recent Posts

  • No Outsiders Family Festival returns to MAC for 2022
  • Review: The Play That Goes Wrong at The Alexandra
  • From Digbeth to Ukraine: HDY Agency launches Sow Much More

Categories

  • Business
  • Community
  • Experience
  • Food and Drink
  • Gift Guide
  • Theatre and Arts
  • Things to do
  • Uncategorized

Follow BrumHour on Twitter

My Tweets

Archives

Back to top
  • Business
  • Community
  • Theatre and Arts
    • Theatre Reviews
  • About #BrumHour
    • Sponsoring BrumHour
    • BrumHour Archive (2015-18)
© BrumHour 2021
 

Loading Comments...