Snow White

This was my first visit to see Centre Stage and their lovely old purpose built theatre. However it was evident that the lighting had been brought right up to date with good effect.  This Panto had been written by one of their members. It was a well written, good traditional version with lots of comedy and all the usual “It’s behind you” that the young children in the audience love so much.

Last year James had directed their Panto, Robin Hood which he had written himself but this time he was excited to bring fresh ideas to this version by Victoria. It had been well cast despite the usual obvious problem of a lack of men shared by many other Societies. The dame was played by a lady but despite our initial reservations at seeing this in the programme, Sam Barker, who played Widow Bunny, did an excellent job.  She had the characterisation just right, picked up on all the comedy and was actually the best female Panto Dame I had ever seen.    Tilly Harriss was Snow White in this her first principal role. She looked delightful and was confident as she brought her character to life with a warmth and compassion.  Zoe Hunt was Fairy Flo. She gave a memorable performance and was captivating with her individual personality shining through with comic expressions and her obvious dancing talent evident in her staged poses.

Jacqui Player was the Evil Queen in this her 8th Pantomime with Centre Stage. She obviously enjoyed her role and soon had the audience booing her.  Ollie Reid played the Magic Mirror. This young man is no stranger to leading parts and this was by no means a supporting role. He was totally confident, involved in much of the action with his own excellent solo and also in several of the song and dance numbers with the Principal Dancers.  With these talents he will always be an asset to any Society. Isaac Ives was Hunter, Widow Bunny’s son in this his 1st Panto with the group. Emily Bonfield played Prince Florian along with his  comic sidekick ‘Tony the Man Pony’ played by Ella Rowsell.  The 7 ‘Dwarfs’ in the Forest all worked well together and kept up their own individual, amusing characters throughout. Well done to all the supporting characters.

The ensemble included Principal Dancers, younger Town Folk, Fairies and Woodland Critters. They all added life and energy into all the song and dance numbers. There were numerous, well chosen  musical numbers. Having spoken with Tony the MD he explained that he and his band had recorded the individual cast songs and harmonies which had been used in rehearsals and to assist the cast to learn their numbers. I have to add that the standard of all the singing, both the solos and the chorus numbers were of a very high standard and they should all be congratulated. The band were also excellent. It is good to have a ‘ live’ band, bringing a definite  benefit  to any show over the prerecorded music we so often see in amateur theatre these days.  The choreographer, Amelia had also been busy teaching good routines to compliment all of the numerous numbers.

I have already mentioned the effective lighting which complimented the set  and there were lots of colourful well fitting costumes from Centre Stage’s own costume department. Pace was upheld with good quick scene changes and some incidental music from the band.

This was a very enjoyable show for an appreciative audience and congratulations should go to James and all his cast and crew. Many thanks also for your warm welcome and hospitality.  It was good to meet you all.

 

 

 

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