Snow White

Snow White is a pantomime rarely contemplated by amateur companies in recent years, principally because of onerous casting issues with the seven dwarfs. Even professional companies struggle with this dilemma: whether children or adults are used some compromises have to be made. But make the right call and this story is a welcome addition to the panto repertoire; and Whitley Bay Pantomime Society hits the spot with this inaugural version at the Playhouse. The youngsters, especially those who play the dwarfs (complete with miniature shovels and pick-axes) steal the show. Up against the young cast the principals do a commendable job: Snow White (Ellie Naseby) looks and acts her important role and stands out as a performer; Leigh Ashton (The Forest Fairy) is cheerful, charming and a delight; Austin Davey (Nurse Gertie) is a warm, restrained and an endearing dame; Davie Linsdell (Muddles) is energetic and has pace; the baddies Snotball and Slimeball (Mark Robinson and Robert Wilson Baker respectively) pile on the obnoxiousness; Sabrina Lyall (Prince Richard) is strong in character and voice; and Lauren Peters-Jones is a suitably unsettling Queen Lucretia. The staging and choreography are pleasing and the band accompanies the many songs with much live playing. The whole show looks good with full-stage scenery cloths showing off the large stage at the Playhouse and the sizeable cast command the space with buoyancy. The director Steven Bell has pulled off his panto directing debut with a proficient hand and the whole production came together with few glitches (sound and lights very occasionally faltering). Let’s hope that Snow White becomes a regular feature and I’m sure the appreciative audience will look forward to next year’s show from the pen of their President.

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