PANTOMIME made a triumphant return to Bridgwater on Sunday evening after a two-year hiatus with an excellent production of Puss in Boots.

Bridgwater Pantomime Society's “purr-fect” show opened on Sunday and is running at the town hall until Saturday, January 28, with performances lined up every day except for Wednesday.

The story follows Tom, the Marquis of Carabas, and his cat Puss, who is bestowed with powers after Joseph, a humble cobbler, makes him a pair of magic boots with the help of Amethyst the Enchantess.

Bridgwater Mercury: Ken Stone, Lindsey Stone and Zoe Pike as King Herbie, Queen Hattie and Princess Stephanie.Ken Stone, Lindsey Stone and Zoe Pike as King Herbie, Queen Hattie and Princess Stephanie. (Image: Bridgwater Pantomime Society)

They work with King Herbie and Queen Hattie to try and help Tom secure rightful ownership of his father's mill after he is tricked by his ‘orrible brothers.

The protagonists are also tasked with saving Princess Stephanie from the clutches of the evil Willard Webb, who is acting on the orders of an ogre.

There was a sense of anticipation from the audience as the lights went down at the town hall and the show - postponed last year - finally got underway.

The cast, who were backed by dancers and a group of vocalists, soon had the audience captivated, helped by the well-designed set and costumes.

Bridgwater Mercury: The pantomime's chorus group.The pantomime's chorus group. (Image: Bridgwater Pantomime Society)

The crowd lapped up the early musical numbers and soon got into the pantomime spirit, egged on by the cast members giving them plenty of chances to get involved, starting with Dimpsey (Keith Robinson) urging them to shout at anyone who got too close to a mysterious button at the side of the stage.

Kim Priddle and Amanda Nolan excelled in the lead roles as Tom and Puss in Boots respectively, with their brilliant singing voices standing out. 

Sam Pavey (Willard Webb) played the villain well, drawing boos from the audience every time he came on stage or announced part of his wicked plan.

Bridgwater Mercury: Margaret Robinson as Amethyst the Enchantess and Sam Pavey and Willard Webb.Margaret Robinson as Amethyst the Enchantess and Sam Pavey and Willard Webb. (Image: Bridgwater Pantomime Society)

He formed part of the production's evil trio with Richard J. Porter and Kevin Cripwell (Basil and Barney), who delivered the slapstick humour pantomime audiences have grown to love as the hapless but ‘orrible brothers.

People of all ages laughed, booed and hissed throughout and left happy - some with the added bonus of free sweets!

Tickets  for the remaining shows are available to purchase online at www.bridgwater-pantomime-society.org.uk or by phoning the box office on 07729 573954.