Snow White

Welcome to NODA, Ashford Theatre Society. My first visit to Ashford and hope it will not be the last; it is certainly a pleasure to have you in my district.

Who is this man Alan Stamp? There needs to be a few more like Alan around in community theatre, professionalism is not a strong enough word to describe Alan. Actor, Writer, Director, Set Construction, Technical Manager, oh!! and a Chaperone - gosh!!

I was greeted at the Community Theatre by the front of house staff (Alan’s Mum and Dad) with surprise, but we were kindly seated. Such a small venue seating about 150, and the audience were raring to go and the atmosphere was electric!! ATS had it all, including back projection, rarely seen in community venues. Splendid costumes (Amy Louise Vass) so colourful and real thought given; lighting, sound (Anthony Bonner Peter Celi Stamp and Jezz Weatheral) were spot on. Is this the Jezz Weatheral I know? Excellent Stage props (Anthony Bonner) all went very smoothly in the stage direction of Brian Stamp.

Choreographer Amy Louise Vass gave her boys and girls very affective dance routines and they were well executed by her team. From the offset I knew this was going to be a great evening's entertainment, and I wasn’t disappointed. It was a BLAST!!!!. This Snow White glowed from start to finish. All the cast were perfectly cast in their roles; Snow White (Bobbie-Marie Hickman) had a lovely singing voice and acting abilities. Wicked Queen Melania (Rea Anderson) owned that stage. Superb casting for Dame Dolly (Cassandra Spence) she was a bundle of fun and one would have thought it was Dawn French up there. Excellent. Muddles (Alan Stamp again) shone and his characterisation was second to none, his timing was superb, he made the silliest of jokes funny and great connection with his audience. Prince Charming (Barnaby Harrison) was the love interest, adequate in this small role. Hemlock (Tracy Hickman) good acting and worked well with the Wicked Queen. Dwarves, Brainy (Alan Coleman), Smiley (Evelyn Cotterall), Dozy (Abigail Graham), Grumpy (Finlay Page), Sniffly (Ellie Shevlin), Bumbly (Josh Wilkingson) and Dipsy (Kacey-May Young): what a talented team, knew their lines didn’t rely on each other - an exceptional team, they lit up the stage, also they could dance, perfect!!! A super programme and posters.

So welcome aboard ATS, my first with you, I’m here if you want any help at any time, I don’t think you will. You gave me an extraordinary evening's entertainment with Snow White and I'm already looking forward to Dick Whittington next year. Keep up the good work in traditional pantomime. 

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