A purr-fect pre-Christmas treat was served up by the Trinity Players, with their fun-filled presentation of Puss In Boots last week. The award-winning group were once again on top form as they brought this perennial favourite to the Holy Trinity church hall stage.

They say there's 'nothing like-a-dame' and Sefton Winslade, as the widowed Wendy Miller certainly ensured his performance was unforgetable. His saucy innuendos and inter-play with fellow actors and audience alike, was spot on and he was perfectly aided and abetted by young comic duo Matthew Smith (Baz) and Travis Merry (Gaz). These two youngsters have come on in leaps and bounds and this year hit even greater heights. They really had the crowd with them as they were whooped and roared onto the stage with every entrance, in true panto style. 

Jasmine Merry as Peter Miller, the son who is left Puss in his father's will, gave a very assured performance, way beyond her years, displaying a fine singing voice and acting ability, while Grace Conant as Puss, conveyed the ideal feline touches, as she helped her master on his quest to win the princesses' heart. Kayleigh Brown as the princess was ideal for this role, with a fine voice and acting skills to match.

Ruling over proceedings was Bruce Grant, as a very comical King Ferdinand, who was kept in constant check by the cash conscious Queen Avarice (Fiona Gurney). And I loved their 'Money' routine to illustrate that point!

Of course, panto kingdom has to have a baddie! In this case it was the evil ogre Grumbleguts; and Christian Badcoe certainly relished his role and literally squeezed it for all it was worth. A great performance once again for one so young.

While Janine Conant as a foghorn like Major Jump made not just the king and queen stand up and take notice, but everyone else in the hall too!

Two very funny sequences were when Wendy Miller and a hilarious cameo by Sally Whiston as an itallian chef were involved in a slapstick routine in the kitchen. And towards the end, when an actor revealed what she would be if not in the panto. Then followed a routine with other cast members singing 'If I Was Not Upon The Stage' with some hilarious results.

Last year's panto won the Players numerous Pantomime Alliance of Leicestershire awards including the prestigious best panto prize. And once again, under the direction of Andy Johnson and backed by a very youthful chorus, this proved another top notch winner with the capacity audiences.            

Tony Parratt