Torch Theatre community reviewer, Liam Dearden certainly enjoyed the Puss in Boots read through this week! He’s very glad he headed for Milford Ye Haven for a rootin’-tootin’, whisker-twitching adventure! Read his review below and book your tickets!

Torch Theatre community reviewer, Liam Dearden certainly enjoyed the Puss in Boots read through this week! He’s very glad he headed for Milford Ye Haven for a rootin’-tootin’, whisker-twitching adventure! Read his review below and book your tickets!

Howdy, partners! Saddle up, dust off those cowboy boots and get ready to unleash your inner feline, because as I ventured into the Torch Theatre, it was that time of year again when the magic of pantomime was beginning to take centre stage. This Christmas, audiences are heading to Milford Ye Haven for a rootin’-tootin’, whisker-twitching adventure in the Wild West! Written and directed by Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard, this year’s Christmas pantomime, Puss in Boots, is already feeling feline festive and promises a pawsitively purrrrfect treat for audiences of all ages. From tumbleweeds to saloon doors, this Western world of West Wales is shaping up to be the cat’s pyjamas. With fame, fortune and a fair few feline antics on the horizon, there’s certainly no shortage of feline mischief in this cowboy caper!

The cast, brimming with local talent, is ready to round up a whole heap of pantomime mischief. Returning to the Torch stage is Lloyd Grayshon, who once again slips into the spotlight as the ever-lovable Dame. Last Christmas, audiences fell head over heels for his portrayal of Belinda Beehive, the glamorous hairdresser who was truly a cut above the rest. This year, however, Lloyd is trading the hairbrush for a Stetson as Savannah Montana, the landlady of the town’s saloon. She’s dynamite, always ready to serve up a sarsaparilla or one of her sparkling milk cocktails. One thing’s for certain: this Dame is no pussycat when it comes to running her establishment!

Sharing the stage once again is Freya Dare, who takes on the titular role of Puss in Boots. Ready, set, meow! This adventurous kitty is strutting into Milford Ye Haven with plenty of cattitude and nine lives’ worth of courage. Looking danger square in the whiskers, this fearless feline has claws, knows how to use them and certainly isn’t afraid to let the cat out of the bag. With a swashbuckling spirit and a pair of boots made for adventure, audiences are bound to fall head over paws for this particular puss. And if you’ve got catnip, you’d better watch out!

Glitter, glam and a little alakazam! Adding another sprinkle of fairy dust, kitty glitter and Western wonder is Kelly Jackson as the enchanting fairy Bonnie-Anne Clyde. Bringing warmth, sparkle and magic to this Wild West adventure. Returning to the Torch stage, Samuel Freeman brings Sheriff Steele to life, a larger-than-life character complete with a humungous hat, magnificent handlebar moustache and enough villainous swagger to make even the wildest outlaw think twice. Pew, pew! But every sheriff needs a deputy, and Elinor Crane takes on the role of Deputy Sheriff Seren. Seren, meaning ‘star’ in Welsh, is certainly a name destined to shine in this Western showdown. And no Western adventure would be complete without a little foolery! Callum Anthony brings Twm Foolery to life. With an endearing innocence, a wonderfully charming nature and a knack for finding himself amongst the mischief, Twm promises to bring plenty of heart and laughter to this feline frontier. There’s something wonderfully endearing about a character whose charm comes from simply being himself, and I have a feeling Twm will be one to watch.

Get ready to have your whiskers tickled and your funny bones thoroughly brushed up, because audiences are in for a wild ride! Western mischief, feline frolics and plenty of opportunities for some cat-astrophic comedy promise to make this a real fur-raising adventure. Expect a few cheeky nods to local Pembrokeshire life along the way, because even in the Wild West, there’s no escaping a little homegrown humour!

The energy was wonderful, with the cast bringing their own personalities, warmth, and individual spark to the characters. Even at this early stage, you could begin to see the foundations of something special taking shape. It was lovely to see the characters beginning to emerge, with each performer bringing something different to the room and adding to the excitement of what lies ahead. The creative possibilities are just as exciting. Kevin Jenkins’ staging and costume designs look set to transport audiences straight into this wild Western world, with a wagon-load of wonder, a saloon full of sparkle and plenty of scope for theatrical surprises. And with Chelsey Gillard at the helm, there’s a real sense of anticipation about seeing her script leap from the page and come to life on the Torch stage.

At its heart, Puss in Boots promises to be a whisker-licking Christmas treat, bringing together heroes, villains, cowboys and cats for a festive adventure filled with laughter, imagination and a generous helping of pantomime magic. So, partners, don’t let this Western adventure ride off into the sunset without you! Dust off those boots, saddle up, buttercup and make your way to the Torch Theatre. With a little feline magic, a whole lot of cowboy charm and a Christmas adventure waiting to unfold, this panto is sure to have audiences feeling feline fine from start to finish!

Puss in Boots can be seen at the Torch Theatre from Saturday 5 December to Saturday 2 January. Relaxed Environment Performance: 19 December at 2pm. BSL Interpreted Performance: Tuesday 22 December at 6pm. Book your tickets via the website at torchtheatre.co.uk / Box Office: 01646 695267.