Snow White

After taking a year out in 2023, it was great to see Fairbourne Dodders return to the stage with a vengeance, with their version of the classic Snow White. The stage was set with a couple of nice pieces of scenery, representing a woodland and the colourful exterior of Dame Daisy Maisy’s flower shop.  The colourful setting was continued when the curtain opened, with a nice ‘olde worlde’ town setting and later an impressive (but sometimes uncooperative!) forest backdrop.

The story unfolded in traditional style, as Chris Hinchley’s dastardly Queen Griselda asked a rather grumpy mirror (Paddy Crump) who was the fairest in the land.  “Snow White”, came the reply, and our story was set in motion.  We soon met Snow White herself, charmingly played by Harriet Crump, and soon attracting the attention of visiting dignitary Prince Harry of Corbett (as in Chaddesley), imperiously portrayed by Becky Jackson.  Also lurking in the background was the Queen’s gormless henchman, Stubble – nicely played by Dan Ashton.

Meanwhile, Hugh Humperdinck (Clementine Kear, full of confidence) was spending his time mooning over Snow White, instead of working in the flower shop belonging to his mother, Dame Daisy Maisy (Scott Broadfield, a natural performer).  These two formed an entertaining double act, engaging the audience with energy and humour, and distributing sweets with gay abandon.  The slapstick ‘watering the flowers’ sketch at the end of the first half was a particular highlight, especially with the younger members of the audience.

It wasn’t long before Stubble was being dispatched by the evil Queen into the woods, with instructions to bring back Snow White’s heart.  Enter the seven other principal characters, although in this version they had already been mentioned quite a lot.  The Monstrous, Mean, Miserly Miners (an enjoyable tongue twister for the cast!) had a reputation that, it turned out, was undeserved, as they soon befriended both Hugh and Snow White.  They also had a nice line in song and dance numbers – I particularly enjoyed their ‘Full Monty’ style routine.  So, take a bow Annabel Carver (Brainy), Zeena Ark (Mouthy), Sian Towler-Evans (Flaky), Sharon Cartwright (Grouchy), Alice Carver (Witless), Joan Forrest (Listless) and, last but not least, Paddy Crump (Keith – an inspired bit of writing!)

The principal cast were ably supported by a six-strong chorus of villagers, bats, sprites and guards (played by Susan Goode, Graham Morgan, Katya Kryachko, Vicky Crump, Rachel Jennings and Matthew Bodley). 

I’m not sure whether the show was self-written by the group, but it certainly contained its fair share of local references, alongside the odd bit of politics and the occasional references to Disney’s legal department!  All good knockabout fun, and clearly relished by the cast, who were well marshalled by director Rachel Jennings.  There were a few chances to join in with the songs and help the cast through the odd first night gremlin, and the traditional final sing-a-long was great fun (our side was definitely louder!) 

The technical side of the performance included some really nice lighting, along with some well-chosen and nicely timed sound effects which fitted the style of the show perfectly.  Costumes were also good – I was particularly impressed by the Sprite’s outfits.

All in all, the Dodders presented a fun evening of knockabout panto silliness – just as it should be!  Congratulations and a Merry Christmas to all. I believe that some other shows are in the planning for 2025, and it will be interesting to see how the group tackles them!

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