Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Puss in Boots Reader's Review
Puss in Boots 
This was great fun full on active, interactive and physical theatre by an animated and engaging cast and crew (Spotlites Theatre Productions in the beautiful Merchant Hall - just look up at the ceiling!). A simple story - as re-told by Rose and Lottie (aged 4 1/2): 'The boy's mum was ill and needed medicine, so he and the cat needed to go and get gold for her, which they found in the castle owned by an ogre. It was just a little bit scary'.
So true that the kids don't just sit back and watch - they are part of the show - and a helpful explanation at the start made it clear that the kids need to be invited up and 'take turns'. This could be chaos, if it wasn't quite so well managed: 'Who wants to help?'; and quietly 'Now, go back to Mummy, go back to Daddy' - and, without any fuss, their junior helpers would run back to their places. And, what tremendous fun was had - squelching in mud, playing cat's cradle, jumping on a bouncy castle - chasing the ogre in his different forms - including as mice - and eating the (chocolate) spoils and, of course choosing boots for Puss.
Lottie liked best having a tail and meowed all the way home on the bus - much to the entertainment of the other rush hour travellers. A girl close to us (aged 3) chuckled throughout and was delighted 'Tee hee, that was silly' she said. Even those who were a little more shy to take part on stage (including Rose), got a chance to pretend to be rabbits, cats and other farmyard animals - and, most importantly, bounce at the end.
Totally thrilling for younger kids and impossible not to enjoy. Even the other parents had smiles on their faces on the way out - phew - no need to wear the lil' ones out before tea!
Reviewed by Hermione Hague 11 August