Snow White

This was my first visit to Hudswell Village Players, covering for a colleague taking part in the production, accompanied by regional councillor and regional Youth Coordinator. What an enjoyable experience it was. Snow White performed in a close-knit community where it seemed there was a warm ‘connection’ between cast and audience (and ultimately the whole village).

The group were established in 2019 to allow younger people to take part in the world of theatre supported by a dynamic and forward-thinking group of helpers that steered the group to charitable status and will hopefully go from strength to strength. Although this is their third pantomime it is the first whilst being members of the NODA North family.

The term family sums up the group, each and every member of the cast looked comfortable with their fellow performers from youngsters to ‘not so youngsters’. For a good pantomime there are certain key elements that need to be there as building blocks, and all these were provided by the wonderful script by Benjamin Engelen which was superbly crafted to be a little ‘risqué’ allowing adults to chuckle knowingly whilst the youngsters in the audience enjoyed it simply thinking it was adults acting silly. Although it was titled ‘Snow White’ gone were the seven dwarfs – there were nine (inflation we were informed), gone were the traditional names being replaced by names indicative of their personalities, Loopy (Lucy Harper); Cheeky (Lydia Martinson); Snoozy (Jasmine Wood); Silly (Annie Martinson); Blusher (Gabriella Boddy); Sassy (Layla Johnson); Mumbly (Matthew Robson – who perhaps achieved the laugh of the night for his totally indistinct dialogue); Grumbly (Arthur Martin) and Prof (Charlotte Martin). Arthur and Charlotte assisted choreographer Jordan in setting the opening dance number of ‘Morning Person’ – Well Done on your first gambit into choreographing.
Finally the youngest cast member of George Martinson who played a cute Rabbit.

The Village Hall was not blessed with facilities; with no room for elaborate sets with only a star cloth on stage. Only one entrance (Stage Right) and a second improvised entrance through the kitchen area at the rear of the hall and through the audience.
Despite this, the cast made the absolute most of the opportunities provided. No sound reinforcement was apparent (nor needed) and lighting was achieved by a few strategically placed LED lights.

Providing the Narration of the story was Jay Casson whilst the ‘Magic Mirror’ was played by Karen Davies with suitable distain for the recipient of her quips.

Titular Character ‘Snow White’ was played confidently with great charm (and with a certain degree of feistiness) by Ellen Dunbavin whose vocals were excellent and empathy with the younger cast very apparent.
Love interest for Snow White was provided by Prince Colin (James Bearpark) whose catch phrase statement was the slap of a raised thigh every time his name was spoken. I loved the scene during the song ‘The Climb’ with the bemused expressions by other performers on stage.

Every panto needs a good Dame, and ‘Sally the Cook’ was played expertly by Richard Hamilton-Leighton with outrageous headgear, garish frocks and socks. His ‘son’ ‘Muddles’ was played by Karla Thompson who had great chemistry with the audience throughout and really endeared themselves to the audience’s hearts.

Last two characters were the evil ‘Queen Camila’ (Scott Edwards) and ‘Herman – the henchman’ (John Holliday). Scott was evil through and though in his role as the stepmother of Snow White and was the character you truly wanted to boo and hiss throughout.
The hapless Herman was expertly played by John Holliday with a perceived ignorance of an employee unsure of his role in life. The interaction, acting and facial expressions of John alongside comedic timing was a joy to behold. His expressiveness whilst playing the role of ‘Andy Pandy’ (a Toyland character he’s been turned into) was an absolute hoot.

There were many youngsters in the audience the night I attended and if this was their first experience of live theatre then I guess they could be hooked for life.
A great pantomime by Hudswell Village Players – well done.

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