Puss in Boots, Theatre Royal, Winchester

A BADDIE with a wig out of Star Trek, the actors playing all the music - it's pantomime Jim, but not as we know it.

The Hiss and Boo Theatre Company specialises in putting on non-panto pantos.

It combines the fun bits like audience participation and creaky jokes without the naff bits like women dressing as boys and men as dames, etc.

Some may object to the watering down of a British tradition, but for me it brings an invigorating freshness.

And the kids will love it.

The songs are all original and performed by the actors, and it works brilliantly in intimate venues like the Theatre Royal. Obviously the cast has to be multi-talented and they were.

It wouldn't have been a surprise if any had come on stage making music by blowing into a bathroom sink. Special mention must go to Tim Barron, who dominated the stage as the Ogre.

Tim was a familiar face on the Hampshire rock scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s as lead singer with Thieves Like Us.

Matt Pinches, who played Ratty, stepped in at virtually the last minute when David Ephgrave hurt his back.

The show, a world premiere production, runs until January 3.