Ottery Community Theatre can be relied upon to put their very own stamp on their annual pantomime at the Institute In Ottery St Mary, and this year was no exception.
Written by Simon Harland and directed by Carol Jobling, Three Blonde Mice followed the adventures of Faye, Enor and Venny as they endeavoured to evade the clutches of dastardly Dame Molly who was intent on their demise.
Packed with plenty of wordplay, with particular emphasis on cheese puns, the action followed the trio as they 'Caerphilly' made (Edam) their escape setting their sights on the 'Cathedral City', having been inadvertently transformed into mature adult sized mice, complete with dresses and individual blond wigs!
In the title roles Ceri Warland, Lea Pryer and Amy Housden brought their different personalities to the stage, and were well partnered by Chelle Walsh, Amber Waddingham and Lizzie Harrison, with a strong presence as Puss-in-Boots, playing the cats who became smitten with them along the way.
There were running jokes throughout the piece as various characters from more traditional pantomimes came and went.
Ed Lamb made a convincing aging hippie, as Dick Whittington ever plagued to 'turn again' at any mention of movement. Tasmin Harvey appeared as Jack of Beanstalk fame, and a forceful Zookeeper, ever chasing Ivan Reed as the delightful baby elephant always popping up 'behind you' at the mention of anything 'elegant', 'element' or similarly 'elephantine'!
Paul Gibbons and John Waddington played contrasting sisters Molly and Kitty in striking make-up and costumes, Oliver Warland made a diffident daughter Fifi, and Kay Crook a recalcitrant husband Bert.
Of course, all ended happily ever after thanks to Claire Phaby, a resolute Fairy Godmother, Jack Coates, a steadfast Stage Manager and Meriel Waddington and Sandra Loveday a pair of 'jobsworth' Elf & Safety executives!
Enchanting youngsters complemented the cast as mice, cats, chives, pixies and beans, and the band under Musical Director Paul Bridgeman played suitable accompaniment throughout.
With a striking backdrop and colourful costumes this 'cracker barrel' of laughs was warmly received by the first night audience. Oh yes it was!
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