Westovians '˜feline good' about Puss in Boots panto

The members of a South Tyneside theatre group are '˜feline good' about their latest show.
Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre.Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre.
Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre.

The Westovian Theatre Society is staging pantomime Puss in Boots.

The show, penned by South Shields playwright Philip Meeks, kicks off at the Westovian Theatre in Pier Parade, South Shields, on Friday and runs until Saturday, January 30.

Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. Iain Cunningham as King Crumble.Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. Iain Cunningham as King Crumble.
Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. Iain Cunningham as King Crumble.
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Director Peter Lathan is making a return to the society after first directing panto Cinderella four years ago.

He said: “I’ve really missed panto and the company are dead keen so it’s a bit of good fun.

“I’ve never actually played in panto although I’ve been involved since the 70s. I’ve written, produced, directed and been involved in panto with people like David Jason and Basil Brush, believe it or not.

“The panto is at the point you’d expect it to be at right now, when everyone is panicking, but I’m totally confident that it’ll be great.

Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. David John Hopper as Dame Doris and Iain Cunningham as King Crumble.Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. David John Hopper as Dame Doris and Iain Cunningham as King Crumble.
Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. David John Hopper as Dame Doris and Iain Cunningham as King Crumble.
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“They’re a really hard-working lot so I know it’ll all come together.

“There are always a few problems but the great thing about panto is that you can turn those problems into benefits.

“For example, if you can’t find a costume you need for the show, you can turn it into a joke.

“When things go wrong during the show, most shows would try to cover it up, but in panto, you make more of a thing of it and make it into a joke.”

Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. Andrew Dawson as Jamie and Erin Atack as Princess Fiona.Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. Andrew Dawson as Jamie and Erin Atack as Princess Fiona.
Puss in Boots at the Westovian Theatre. Andrew Dawson as Jamie and Erin Atack as Princess Fiona.
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He added: “It’s going to be a great night for anyone who comes along. We’ve got lots of laughter, great songs and some good choreography as well.”

Tickets cost £9 for adults and £7 for children under 12. To book, go to the Visitor Information Centre at Haven Point or call 0191 424 7788 or 0191 456 0980.