Snow White

A very frosty night and an England World Cup game probably kept a few people away from the Players' new venue which was very spacious with good parking. I had a warm welcome from Sally Klemen who was acting as prompt and Chairman Janet Stott kindly produced a welcomed  hot coffee. Comfortable seating and I choose to sit right at the back where there was an enormous, decorated Christmas tree.

The open stage worked well with the seven panels which had been prepared earlier this year when regrettably the production was postponed. Congratulations for regrouping over this difficult period and the result may I say was certainly very worthwhile. The Hall of Mirrors, woodland, the dwarf’s cottage, the palace very well designed and painted by Judy Wall and Isabel Ryan.

We commenced proceedings with the King in resplendent costume played by established actor Ian Klemen in his rich tones outlining the familiar story. Behind him are the panels of the Mirror Room where his second wife, the now a wicked Queen flew into rages and became very demanding making the lovely Snow White’s life miserable – Clare Murray commanded this role and received the appropriate booing, particularly disguised as an old hag enticing Snow White to eat the poisoned rosy apple.

The Spirit of the Mirror was really Bertie the valet after breaking the magic mirror and told the Queen what she wanted to hear and was also Snow White’s bestie. Shannon Dudley took this role in an impish way and had the audience ‘baaaing’ for a wonderful toy sheep which was left at the side of stage and every time someone approached we reacted. Henry White was an agile Huntsman in belted tunic coat and flat cap, sporting his sword – and of course was never going to kill Snow White as the Queen demanded and it was his kiss that saved the day. Supported along the way were the ‘magnificent seven’ – seven completely individual dwarfs – each a delight marching in and out with their tools and bringing up the rear the drummer beating time. All  take a bow.

Three comedy acts namely the two odd job men Botchit and Leggitt namely Lawrence Wilson and David Bentley who sparred together with some excellent slapstick and together slickly changed scene panels. Jessica Partridge as Madam Bumble was a natural audience cheerleader wearing fabulous ott costumes of which there were many, great dame makeup, wigs, and a wonderful bottom especially when in the beelike tights! 

The heroine of the panto of course is lovely Snow White herself and Rose Cawte who also co-directed with Paul Thomas, was delightful both in character and appearance. The first-rate costumes were supplied by Sarah Givertz and the cast and were most pleasing to the eye. The music was enjoyable with some good classics to clap to. The sound was good, the lighting now and again didn’t always quite hit the right spot.

Very well done to all the crew and to the determination of the group with all its setbacks in getting this well-executed show on the road.

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