Fairy Godmother, Gill Hope (centre) with Puss, Raelene Dufresne (left) and young members of the chorus in rehearsal ahead of this month’s pantomime, Puss in Boots

By Peter Townson/Staff Reporter

Doha Players will stage its 38th annual pantomime later this month, as Qatar’s amateur dramatists tread the boards once more in their latest production, Puss in Boots.
The pantomime is a longstanding tradition for the Doha Players who provide their own innovate interpretations of fairytale stories featuring the inevitable “happily ever after”.
Puss in Boots recently gained international fame through his role in Shrek, voiced by Hollywood star, Antonio Banderas.  However, the two stories should not be confused as the pantomime production tells the traditional longstanding Puss in Boots tale, presenting the adventures of Peter, who has been thrown out of his home by his brothers, Hector and Casper.
The show is being directed by Doha Players chairman, Peter Phillips and Celia Scott, who last directed the group’s pantomime in 2004.
Phillips explains that the story follows the traditional pantomime journey, but welcomes some interesting characters along the way, including the ingenious, magical talking cat who is the show’s namesake.
With a child-eating ogre to boo and hiss, and a princess, fairy godmother and leading man to cheer, the audience is sure to be thrilled at the opportunity to embrace the traditional art form of panto.
Pantomimes are usually held during the festive period, offering families the chance to enjoy lighthearted fun against the backdrop of fairytale stories and characters.
And this year’s offering will be no different, with a large number of children featuring in the chorus and helping to create the family-fun atmosphere.
“It’s been really good directing the show – there have been a lot of newcomers to Doha involved and a lot of new members of the Doha Players,” says Phillips, adding that the addition of new cast members has helped to produce something “a bit different”.
Shows will take place from January 25-28 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings as well as matinees on Friday and Saturday afternoon, and the production is being staged at the Doha Montessori and British School.
Tickets are available from The One, and are priced at QR60.
Phillips expressed his appreciation to the Doha Players’ sponsors, including their main sponsor, Conocophillips, and the Doha Montessori and British School for providing the group with the stage and facilities necessary to produce the show.

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