Magical night at KATS panto

'PANTOMILLENNIUM',
by Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society, on February 24-26

Performed in the round, as well as using the raised stage area, we were treated to an abundance of well directed and performed fun that included all the traditional values of the time-honoured pantomime. It was, however, quite a different concept in many ways and I was pleased to see the KATS taking this approach.

After the initial introductions, we were taken on a marvellous journey with the help of Fantasia the fairy. Fantasia, complete with Lancashire accent and played extremely well by Claire Bowden, kept getting her spells wrong. This was because of the interference by The Demon, Mark Lillycrop, in another solid performance. Instead of ending up in the Millennium dome to celebrate Y2K we were transported via Bedrock, Egypt, Roman England, King Arthur's court, Tudor England, England 1666, Victorian England and England in the 1960s. Phew!! Quite a feat. The KATS proved, once again, to be up to the challenge.

The costumes were absolutely wonderful and would not have looked out of pace on a London stage. Effects, lighting and specially constructed props, including a superb fully automated Postman Pat van complete with a very funny Dave Caulfield, were just great. The children, were all there with their various song and dance routines and three dancers from Footwork Academy of Dance held us spellbound during their pieces. Martin Eggleton and musicians, as ever, reliably provided the backing music. All the performers, sadly too numerous to mention, gave us a great night of entertainment.

The KATS front and back of house, quite obviously, had great fun preparing and performing this panto. Thanks, we had a fabulous time watching.

KATE SLOAN