The Silchester Players, a well-known amateur dramatic group, are preparing for this year’s panto, Puss in Boots, a tradition they’ve upheld since 1976.
This year’s show, penned by Ben Crocker, is set to delight audiences with its classic tale featuring characters such as Jack, his stepbrothers Jasper and Jethro and the Royal Family.
The story unfolds in the village of “Much Rabbiting in the Dale,” where the Royal Family, King Wally the Once and Queen Wendy, are hosting their annual party.
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Silchester Players present Rapunzel for their 2024 panto (Image: Silchester Players) With their coffers empty due to Ogre Grimgrab’s rent hikes, they are in search of a wealthy suitor for their daughter, Princess Esmerelda.
The Ogre, however, has his own designs on the princess and, with the help of the Evil Fairy Pernicia, concocts a plot to kidnap her.
Meanwhile, Jack, who has fallen in love with Princess Esmerelda, seeks his fortune elsewhere.
A mysterious fairy gives him magical boots that transform Puss into the clever, talking Puss in Boots.
The pair, along with the King and Queen, try to thwart the Ogre’s plans and secure Jack’s marriage to the Princess.
Performances will run from Friday 17 January to Saturday 18 January and again from Friday 24 January to Saturday 25 January at Silchester Village Hall.