Snow White

The pantomime season is upon us and as always it was an absolute pleasure to receive an invitation from Washington Theatre Group to see their interpretation of Snow White, but this pantomime was Snow White with a difference not the traditional well know story but a story line that was played forward several years. What did remain, was the same traditional values and participation from the audience that people have come to expect from a traditional pantomime and from the reaction from the full venue the audience loved it as they booed and applauded the cast throughout the production.

Written and directed by Barry Hogan who’s creative writing delivered a slightly different take on the traditional fairy-tale/pantomime which for me was a welcoming change. It was refreshing to see something different. Well done also to Marie Lovell who produced the production. Special mention must go to the sound and lighting designers Nigel Judson, Rachel Neill and Rosalyn De Luca for their creative flair that certainly enhanced the production and it sounded and visually looked splendid. Special mention to Nigel for the video projection it certainly was entertaining and must have been hilarious to film and it was certainly entertaining for the audience. Given the size of the venue and stage the set was well designed and made good use of the space, the set provided good scenery and props to bring the scenes to life. Costumes were well coordinated, well done to the costume designer Susan Tetchner and her team Lois and Julie Billington and a big congratulation to the crew who ensured that the quick scene changes were carried out to military provision.

We were introduced to the story by the glamorous Fairy G played by Christine Jary who explained the outline of the story - a great performance delivered by Christine who is no stranger to the stage, she had the audience spellbound as she waved her magic wand to bring the story to life. Playing the role of Snow White was Arthur Hood Dixon, Arthur gave a confident performance and was well partnered with Andy Molloy playing the dashing Prince Edmond. A standout performance from Rachel Neill who played the faithful Cook Alice, with great comic timing; I loved the projected scenes with her and Prince Edmond which were very entertaining. Danny Stones gave a great performance as Buttons who fell in love with the magic mirror, Clara who was wheeled on and off to deliver her scenes, this character was exceptionally played by Lulin Moon. Playing the evil Queen was Pamela Elliot, good character performance and excellent interaction with her two daughters Giselle played by Michael Tetchner and Druscilla played by Peter Wilson as the ugly step-sisters; great interaction from these characters with confident stage presence which was appreciated by the audience as they delivered their characters with ease. Good character performances played by Lois Billington as Miss Kitty and Sarah Chrystal as Squeaks the mouse and a huge congratulations to the Trish n Tina school of Dance who’s ‘” Little Dances” stole the show, there is certainly some great talent coming through from these young performers, well done

Congratulations to Washington Theatre Group on a great production I thoroughly enjoyed the evening as did the audience, Well Done and congratulations.

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