Snow White

SNOW WHITE by Scarlett Quittenton (a member of the Silchester Players and also appearing in this production as Muddles) is a slightly different take on the traditional fairytale/pantomime; there’s no glass coffin but there is still the poisoned apple. We still have seven dwarfs but they are renamed as: Pops, Wheezy, Grouchy, Lanky, Shorty, Drowsy and Silly. Its fun for all and an energetic and popular event in the Silchester Players’ calendar. We were introduced to the story (by Queen Crimson) and given the outline of what was going to happen, as Snow White’s 21st birthday approached. The boisterous opening song “9 to 5” was a cheerful start to the evening.

The set was excellent with various backdrops depicting the locations from the forest to the interior of the Dwarfs’ cottage (complete with half sized bed) and the props well used by the cast. The Throne Room was particularly colourful and impressive. Set changes were generally quick and when more complicated changes were needed, good use was made of the stage in front of the curtain. It was a great idea to use signs in the community singing for “Hey” “Up” and “Hello”. Brian Gillett as the Magic Mirror was an inspired idea.

The hair and make up was good and in keeping with the story. Great wigs for the dame, Nurse Dolly, and suitably outlandish make up. Snow White’s wig and make up enhanced her cheeky yet naïve character.

The costumes were of the highest quality and in keeping with each character from Nurse Dolly’s big and bold, to the demure Snow White and fabulous red and black for Queen Crimson.  The music was good and well controlled with the right balance to compliment the singing. The thunder and lightening effect every time Queen Crimson came on was excellent.

This show was huge fun for all and there were some good laugh out loud moments, for example when Shorty and Lanky announced their names. This was a great visual joke. It was wonderful to see Alan Moorhouse return to the Silchester stage as Nurse Dolly. He delighted the audience with his great comic timing, body language and outrageous costume. There were colourful costumes galore, delightful dancing from the woodland creatures befriended by Snow White. Jessica Craker-Knott deserves enormous praise for taking the role of Snow White on with very short notice. She rose to the challenge and brought great warmth to her character. It was a shame we didn’t see much of the seven dwarfs especially as Claire Humphreys (as Drowsy) had a great struggle with her beard’s inability to stay in place and this gave the audience many laughs. They worked well together as a group both visually and as characters. Snow White was produced by Tim Oliver and directed by first time Director Zoe Cole who was assisted by the writer, Scarlett Quittenton.

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