Players' panto is purrrfect!

Packed full of corny jokes and outlandish costumes, panto fans visiting the Electric Palace this week will not be disappointed.

Peter (regular principal boy Helen Light) is cut out of his father's will by his dastardly older brothers and left with just a cat and five gold coins.

He soon falls in love with a princess and with the help of the Good Fairy, a sparkling appearance by Mel Draper, must save his beloved from the clutches of meat-eating sorceress Megg Venn and her character henchman Creepmouse (Jo Hawker).

Helping out at every turn is his newly walking talking feline friend Puss, a magical cat with a plan, played by confident Amy Day.

Much mirth and mayhem comes from Stephen Light as the gloriously frocked dame, Cordelia the Cook, who has an eye on Peter's brothers, the well-chosen comedy pairing of Nicky Coleman and Jemma Jeanes.

The fine cast includes many good actors and this well-balanced script by Dave Jeanes allows all the princi-pals and chorus to shine. Ziggy Gray steps into the limelight to show off her fantastic voice as Princess Grace, while Teresa Grinter and Mo Davis make a grand pairing as the royal parents ably assisted by Sue Farrant as Chamberlain.

A big draw is always the chance to see scores of youngsters from the Rhythm Dance Centre and Lyric School of Dance.

The cute toddlers this year appear as mice - some literally chased off stage by the cat when their piece was over - and the regular ballet and tap was augmented by a lively Jump Jive number, fun seaside piece and not-to-be missed Skeleton Tappers.

The Players always like to push the boundaries (see last year's flying fairy) and there is plenty of clever trickery here too, not to mention stunning scenery - including a magnificent backdrop of the Jurassic coastline.

Panto is once again very much alive and kicking in Bridport, and this year it comes in a pair of fine red boots.

* Puss In Boots continues until Saturday.