Puffs

Puffs, presented by Act, Belong Commit and Art in Motion Theatre Company (AIM) is the story of “Seven increasingly eventful years at a certain school of magic and magic”. An unauthorised satire, tribute and love-letter to the Harry Potter series, it is set in a school house called “Puffs” and the characters all bear names remarkably similar to characters mentioned in obscure parts of the Potter-verse. While you don’t need to be familiar with every corner of Pottermore, audiences will want to have read the books or seen all of the movies, in order to fully appreciate this show.

This is probably Perth's paciest show of 2020, with its cast of eleven almost flying across the stage, most playing multiple characters - often with seconds between transitions, as they cram the events of seven novels and eight movies into 110 minutes. The only drawback to this galloping speed is that some of the dialogue can become a little garbled - and it can be difficult to catch every word - especially when we are hearing a variety of (well handled) accents.

The central character in Puffs, like his more famous class-mate, is an orphan boy who discovers that he is a wizard when asked to attend Hogwarts. Wayne Hopkins is played with a lovely commitment to character and beautiful honesty by Liam Tickner, in what I think is his best role to date. As we might expect, Wayne has two best friends. Real life Ravenclaw Terence Smith gives the gorgeously awkward Puff, Oliver Rivers, life, with Niamh Nichols lovely as the reluctant Puff with gothic tendencies, Megan Jones.

Alexander Courtney, in a strong theatrical debut, works the crowd well as the narrator, while Thomas McCraken lights up Act One as golden-child and hero Cedric, in a very dynamic performance, before taking on a very different role after Cedric’s unfortunate demise.

Bailey O’Hehir is lovely as Ernie Mac, but shines as (the second) Dumbledore, among a number of other roles. Rebecca Haywood makes a community theatre debut as Hannah, and a number of cameos including Megan’s evil mother. Connie Wetherilt is great fun as J. Finch Fletchley (and her hard work and considerable talent almost saves the one part of the show where the writing simply doesn’t work). Rachel Vonk is delightful as Australian student Leanne. Tara Oorjitham is sweetly perky as Sally Perks, with her appearances as a House Elf a highlight. Montanna Tickner makes a perfect Susie Bones, while doubling as Harry and Myrtle, and watching her switch characters within seconds was great fun.

Nice touches of humour in the costuming. while a simple set allows for some door comedy and to hide props and accessories for quick changes. Karen Cook created an atmospheric lighting plot, with effective sound by Kieran O’Regan.

A well performed, wild-ride of fun. Puffs was a perfect treat for a Potter-head. A very enjoyable night out.

Kimberley Shaw