Puss in Thongs Panto for Perth
AN AUSSIE take on a fairytale classic plays at Perth’s Phoenix Theatre during July 2016 as Puss in Boots gets a bush makeover.
Written by Judith Prior and directed by Sheryl Gale, Puss in Thongs is a pantomime for the whole family that follows the adventures of Puss and Harry as they set out to find wealth and romance.
Before they head off, Puss orders Harry to buy her some boots and a grand hat – but they only have $5 and compromise by buying thongs instead.
Along the way they encounter a bunyip, witch and dancing camel, encouraging audience participation to draw them into the adventure.
Prior has been a playwright since 1989, notching up more than 1000 performances of her work across Australia with 40 shows in production each year.
Gale said there were numerous challenges in staging Puss in Thongs, which were rewarding at the same time.
“Making sure the audience is taken on a journey and included in the action, then left with a sense of it being a great show, is paramount,” she said.
“This is always running through my head – you feel you have to constantly check and re-check scenes and songs.
“I chose to keep the music classic so the audience would recognise the songs and join in.
“Choosing the right people to play the characters to great effect and making sure they’re able to deliver the punchlines is another challenge.”
Involved in theatre for more than 20 years, Gale first performed with the Kwinana Theatre Junior Workshop in Judith Prior’s Jest at the West.
She called the theatre home for many years – most of the Christmas shows were Judith Prior scripts – until it had to close its doors.
Since then, Gale has appeared with Phoenix Theatre, 9 Lives Productions and the Stray Cats Theatre Company in productions such Alice in Wonderland andPirates of Penzance, also working behind the scenes in various capacities.
“Puss in Thongs came about because Phoenix Theatre needed something to fill the void after a show was cancelled,” she said. “And I thought ‘Why not direct it myself?’ because I needed a challenge.
“When I read the title I had a giggle and was hooked on the idea that it would be a great first show for me to direct.
“I also love how interactive pantomime can be, as well as how it can captivate an audience.”
Puss in Thongsplays 8pm July 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 with 2pm matinees July 16 and 24. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 concession, $15 children (up to 15 years) plus transaction fees – book at www.phoenixtheatreinc.com.au.
The production is supporting the Cat Haven through raffle ticket and program sales.
Phoenix Theatre is located at 435 Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill, within the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall.
Images: (top) the cast of Puss in Thongs, (middle) Sylvia Mellor in title role in the pantomime Puss in Thongs, and (lower) Liana Russell, left, Bernadette Ward and Sylvia Mellor. Photographer: Sally Newman.
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