FOR almost 80 years the Abergavenny Pantomime Company has entertained families from the area with traditional shows rousing choruses and slapstick comedy.

This is only the fourth time they have performed Puss In Boots but it must rate as one of the best shows because it was slicker, the tempo was faster and the chorus almost lifted off the roof of the Victorian theatre.

Thirteen year old Molly Brickley-Clark was purrfect (OK) as the title character, her feline mannerisms, the way she arched her back, the way she hissed and spat and her careful diction were honed to perfection. But finishing a close second in the acting honours was young Zach Clee as the effeminate soldier Sam who liked flower arranging and decorative candle making. And close behind was Len Lane as the evil Ogre.

The cast was once again led by Ken Jones as the typical pantomime dame, all billowing petticoats and big knickers. Slapstick comedy was provided by Stephen Clark playing the usual village idiot as Dame Dumpling's son Little Slack and this year he was joined by Colin Lewis as big brother Big Mac. Colin is no stranger to the stage but panto is not his usual forte. However he proved he is a master at comedy and even coped with Stephen's ad libbing. It must be difficult when he strays from the script but Colin proved more than a match.

Glamour and romance came from Honey McKenna as Princess Flavia and the youngest brother Jack (aka The Marquess of Carabas) who fall in love. Their beautiful voices blended so well in Getting To Know You. But the highlight of the whole performance was Michael Jackson's Thriller when the Zombies danced in unison, brilliantly choreographed by young Molly. Cameo roles were well played by Peter Holder as King Stewart and Joe Pugh as a yokel, and making their usual brief comic appearance were Ken Watkins and Phil Butcher, this time as oversized pink rabbits.

The show runs until Saturday.