Snow White

It’s always a pleasure to visit Bramley Parish Theatre Players and this year was no exception with their joyous production of Snow White. Despite some behind the scenes dramas, Bramley produced another outstanding pantomime, much appreciated by the capacity audience.(when I think about it, this is amateur theatre - there’s always behind the scenes dramas!)

It is easy to think that panto is just panto – “It’s not serious so it’s not difficult “– but how wrong can anyone be? It needs to be slick, fast-moving but not so fast that it leaves the audience (often children) behind, and every element has to be just right- casting, costumes, choreography, lighting, music, props and so on. Fortunately, Bramley have a Director, Dean Patrick, ably helped by his assistant, Linda Birch, who understands all that and that’s exactly what he delivered.

The title role saw Holly Smith take on the iconic role of Snow White – not only did she look the part but acted this role with ease, giving us an innocent naivety, she cleverly handled all the chaos around her and gained the audiences empathy and eventual joy with the apple sequence.  There was a lovely connection with the Dwarfs and a believable love story with Prince Leo, played excellently by Emma Whitehead who strutted around this stage a in a truly Royal Aristocratic and arrogant manner. Both of them had delightful singing voices, which blended well.

Desperate to rid the world of Snow White was Queen Sinistra, played with great stage presence and a frosty tongue by Emma Greenwood, her scowls and terrific bullying of her courtiers was lovely to watch and had the audience booing and hissing from start to finish. And what a fabulous dress.

No pantomime is complete without its Dame; and in this production James Creegan excelled as Dame Betty Bobbit. From his first entrance, this Dame meant business and was going to bring the comedy element to the show, loved the colourful costumes and the interaction with the audience. He was ably abetted in the comedy stakes by Joe Smith as Billybob Bobbit. Joe has developed such strong comedic timing and rapport over the last few years. And I’m still struggling to get my tongue around “Best bud, Billybob” or whatever it was ! 

Adding to the fun, we’re a trio of Ghostbusters – Christina Edwards (Dr Phantasm), Yasmine Stevenson (Hocus) and Beth Edwards (Pocus). We’ve seen a number of pantomimes this season and this trio gave us the first real “slosh” scene. The decorating routine is one of my favourites- it’s difficult to get right (I know, I’ve done it) so well done to the 3 of you.

Emma Smith, as Marie in the Mirror, Genevieve Shaw, as High Chancellor and Dean Patrick, as the Huntsman all added their own contributions to the story.

Finally, the real stars of the show – the 7 dwarfs all had their own lovely individual personalities and they all got their little chance to shine – Sarge (Sam Edwards), Tizzy (Freya Everson), Prof (Ruby Wheatley), Giggles (Alexia Gaunt), Snoozy (Albert Wheatley) and the adorable Blush (Heidi Stothard). A lovely little group who acted together as perfect little group.

In a recent pantomime report, I pondered about how Societies chose songs for pantomime. It’s fascinated me this season. Bramley had an amazing collection of songs, ranging from the 60s Chapel of Love through to George Ezra and Bruno Mars. The backing tracks were excellent, although slightly loud at times. A great job by the Musical Director, Emma Smith, and her assistant, Joe Smith. Choreography was also a joy, with some wonderful and interesting groupings, including the inevitable tap dance. It was also a pleasure to see a team of dancers to enhance the chorus movement. Well done to the choreographer, Dean Patrick, and the dance captain, Lydia Griffiths.

Excellent performances from the ladies of the court who supported the principal cast; each and every one contributing to the story and adding their individual characters loved the opening musical number set in the  throne room, “Colour My World”.

For everybody on stage, there are a myriad of people working behind the scenes to make the show look and sound good – sound operation (Alfie Doran & Tom Waters), costumes (Rachel Emsley, Sue Law, Dean Patrick & Ruth Ritchie), props (Sue Law), stage crew (Charlotte Chippendale & Richard Edwards), set & scenery (Trevor Smith), lighting (CS Technical). All under the mighty auspices of the Stage Manager, Andrew Rowney.

This was my final official visit as NODA Rep to Bramley. So I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your wonderful hospitality over the years. We’ve seen some wonderful pantomimes during that time and watched you grow. Thank you.

 

 

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