KILMACOLM Dramatic Society's 2024 pantomime is a purr-fect adaptation of a timeless tale that showcases everything that's magical about community theatre.
Members of the society, which celebrates its 80th birthday next year, are starring in Puss in Boots at the Kidston Hall, with the last performance taking place on Saturday (November 30).
The talented troupe have crafted a Christmas show that's full of singalongs, funny dances, genuine laugh out loud moments, and festive sparkle.
Directed by Mandy Robinson, the panto is an adaptation of a tale written by Stephen Duckham, which brings together different elements of traditional Puss in Boots versions in a fantastic story.
The tale begins with news of the sale of the old mill in the town after the passing of the local miller.
Panto villains The Ogre and his accomplice Grim want to get their hands on all of the mill's contents in the absence of the miller's son, Colin.
The fun unfolds upon Colin's return, and there are even more japes and scrapes when Puss appears.
The show features all of the familiar pantomime tropes presented in a way that suits Inverclyde families perfectly.
Oscar James puts in an incredible turn as the eponymous character and is a perfect Puss.
He and Colin, played by society president Kevin Curran, strike up a lovely friendship and have you rooting for them all the way through.
The pair embody the roles of the heroes perfectly, and Kevin shows off his fantastic vocals talents.
Ian Macduff is perfect as cobbler Patchem - who helps Puss to find his true calling - and is ably assisted by his mother, played beautifully by Anne Crawley.
Damian Mikulski is a fantastic Ogre and is helped in his evil plan by his accomplice Grim, played with heart and soul by Audrey Hunter.
The pair are amazing as the villains of the piece and prompt a lot of hearty boos from the audience.
The ladies are a fantastic double act and their timing is second-to-none.
Angus Black is a spectacularly spooky Skelly, and Emma Hawthorn showcases her amazing voice in her role as the beautiful Princess Melinda.
READ MORE: Kilmacolm Dramatic Society perform Puss in Boots panto
The biggest laughs in the show come from the inimitable panto dame John Gilchrist, who plays Queen Bee, and the amazing Michael Dickson as King Bumble.
The actors are a perfect pairing and put in scene-stealing performances across the full production.
They bring a lot of physical comedy to the stage, and tell jokes that are a wee bit risqué but still OK for the kids.
Music for the show is provided by a team of volunteers who do a great job of playing a whole range of tunes - from The Kinks and Nancy Sinatra, to Tom Jones, Rick Astley, and Michael Jackson.
Tickets are still available for tonight's show - so step on it or miss out on a terrific traditional panto.
To book visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/kilmacolmdramaticcsociety
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