Puss in (Space) Boots puts BATS on course for another hit (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Puss in (Space) Boots puts BATS on course for another hit

12:50pm Monday 2nd January 2012 in Stage By Adrian Mullen, Arts correspondent

A COMIC blast of intergalactic proportions is ready for lift off.

Oh yes it is, as the hard-working guys and gals of Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society stage Puss in (Space) Boots at the Bryce Institute, from tomorrow (Friday) until Sunday (January 6-8) and January 11-14, telling the out of this world tale of how Max Miller and his talking cat, Ziggy, saved the planet earth from the monstrous intentions of Lady Gargle, a galaxy devouring monster.

Once again, Gordon ‘commander’ Lawson is at the controls, directing a cosmic cast, which includes Emily Baxter as hero Max Miller; Ziggy Stardust, a talking car, played by Sarah Kidd and in the role of Chardonnay, Max’s mother, Duncan Cramphorn.

Emily Davies takes the role of Princess Layla, Emperor of the Five Galaxies is played by Martin Cash, Sue Cook is Meg Le Maniac, and choreography is courtesy of toe-tapping terpsichorean Kat Irving.

Gordon said his directorial debut for BATS was in 1998, for Babes in The Wood.

However, the theatre calling came earlier: Explained Gordon: “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away called the ‘nineties,’ a good friend of mine got me involved with Kendal Amateur Operatic Society in their production of Jesus Christ, Superstar. From there, he dragged me down to Burneside to help out with their pantomime, Cinderella. That was in 1993 and was BATS’ 19th pantomime. I’ve been pretty much involved, in one capacity or another, since then.”

Puss in (Space) Boots is amazingly, the 37th BATS pantomime staged at the Bryce.

Set in 2012, the village of Slapton Tickle is invaded by the evil Meg Le Maniac, who plans to turn the village mill into a nuclear waste dump. At the Cafe at the End of the Universe, The Emperor of the Five Galaxies calls together an alliance of space heroes to help defeat the evil plans of Lady Gargle.

“I commissioned the script from a writer, and he worked from my brief,” continued Gordon.

“However, as inevitably seems to happen, the script has continued to evolve over rehearsals. So I’ve spent a lot of time with Duncan Cramphorn (playing the Dame this year) doing rewrites. Crikey this all sound very Hollywood!”

The annual pantomime is just one of many productions put on each year by the dedicated BATS team.

Shows seem increasingly more professional each year, which according to Gordon - Barclays Bank area operations manager for Cumbria and Central Lancs - is down to ‘hard work from everyone involved.’ He added: “We all want to top the last production. And we’ve got people approaching us to be in these productions, which is great.

“There certainly seems to be an interest from people wanting to participate, whether it’s acting or on the technical side.

“Everyone involved has other commitments, and the time they give to make each production a success is phenomenal.

“Without everyone who helps out, these productions would not happen. From the front of house, to the set builders, painters, prompts - absolutely everyone.

“To put this pantomime on, there are over 50 people involved, including the acting talent. So it’s a big logistic enterprise.

“This year, the panto monster is going to be a mix of acting and, what I can only describe as, a really big puppet. I’m looking forward to that one.”

Gordon was born in Carlisle, but has lived in Kendal since 1972.

A former Kendal Grammar School student, he was alway interested in the stage but never really did anything about it until he was in his 30s.

“I always loved going to the theatre, and I can remember going to the RSC at Stratford and being blown away by seeing Sir Michael Horden in the Tempest and Jonathon Pryce in the Taming of the Shrew in one weekend.

“I guess I wasn’t really aware of how I could get involved. So I guess it’s great that you’re giving this opportunity for people to read this and if they are interested to get in touch with one of the great amateur societies that are around here.”

So, what about highlights or any particularly favourite so far?

“There’s been lots - and so many great people who have been involved in the productions over the years. Some of the kids have stuck with the society from junior chorus through to lead roles.

“I’ve enjoyed some of the ‘curve ball’ productions, like Santa and the Vikings (2000) and Treasure Island (2006). All still firmly based in pantomime tradition, but just given that little tweak that makes it just that little more interesting from a director’s stand point.

“I think some of the other stuff BATS have done, such as Wyrd Sisters (1997) and the Haunting of Hill House (2010) have been challenging and real successes in terms of production.”

As far as future shows go Gordon has a few in his sights: “I’d love to stage something like An Inspector Calls (that appeals to my spooky side), or a big drama like Inherit the Wind (massive cast though and we do have a small stage). Or a musical like Oh What a Lovely War!, which is one that I’ve always loved.”

Box office 07792-777213.

Pictured with 'Commander' Lawson - Duncan Cramphorn, the Dame, Chardonnay; Dan Taylor, as Doctor Why? and Sue Cook, who plays Meg Le Maniac.