Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS) recently performed the World premier of Moving Pictures at the Kennet School in Thatcham from 31st July to the 2nd August. I went on the closing night.

 

I have been to two previous Discworld adaptations at KATS before (Carpe Jugulum and The Truth) and have really enjoyed the performances so was once again expecting a good performance - I wasn't disappointed.

 

The adaptation was made by KATS members John Hicks and Kevin Miller. If John Hicks's name sounds familiar it is because he was immortalised as Dr John Hicks, professor of post mortem communications in Making Money after winning a charity auction at the last Clarecraft event back in 2005.

 

I'll admit that it has been over a decade since I last read Moving Pictures so I only had a vague recollection of the story which meant I needed the adaptation to tell the story to me afresh.  The adaptation worked well on the whole but I felt that the UU bits with Ridcully and the Bursar whilst being very funny were unnecessary and never fully concluded.   This is a minor aside and otherwise the story flowed well.  I had no problem following the story.

 

Victor was played brilliantly by David Richardson who previously made a very believable Vimes in the Truth and co-star Jenna Sharpe made an excellent Ginger.  In fact the only bit of miscasting for me was Kevin Miller as CMOT Dibbler.  I just didn't feel he was someone who could sell me a sausage in a bun.

 

I loved how the footnotes were handled - with an Elvis impersonator doing the exaggerated film synopses suggested by CMOT Dibbler.

 

After the excellent seating arrangements for the production of The Truth I was disappointed to see that the old raised seating had been used again.  I found the seating rather uncomfortable and was glad to have a walk around during the intermission.  It was also incredibly hot in the auditorium - I am sure there was nothing that KATS could do about the weather but it did make things rather uncomfortable.

 

That aside the performance was very entertaining and KATS have once again put on an excellent show.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend that you visit KATS when they perform their next Discworld adaptation - whatever that might be.