Snow White

Snow White ... a pantomime staged by Southport Dramatic Club at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport on Thursday 2nd January 2025

Once again, we have a classic fairy tale written by the Brothers Grim in the 19th century adapted, updated by John Coates and Gary Simpson for use by Southport Dramatic Club and dedicated to the memory of a true giant of Southport Dramatic Club Ray Mann, who passed away in November of last year. The original 19th century story tells of a princess, who is exiled by her stepmother, the evil queen who wants her dead… why, because the stepmother wants to be the ‘fairest in the land’!  But ‘The Mirror’ tells her time and time again that she isn’t…. so, to try and make her wishes come true, she sets about trying to have Snow White killed!  In an attempt to save her own life, Snow White runs away, into the forest, but is soon rescued by seven miners who take her in and become her friends. Even the forest and the miners could not protect her and I think you know the rest… the apple, true loves kiss…and the happy ever after! 

The Production Team... as stated above, this adapted version of Snow White was penned by the ever so talented John Coates and Gary Simpson... John was also directing the production with the assistance of Karen Parkinson.  With John being part of the ‘writing team’ it was obvious from the start that he and Karen would have a good understanding of the story and what her wanted from his actors.  They also had the ever so experienced Pippa Morris (Choreographer) as part of their team, her choreography was simple yet imaginative, set at levels that played to the strengths of all the dancers involved in each musical number, which isn’t always the easiest thing to achieve when abilities can be so varied. Well done you three be proud of what you helped achieve!  

The Cast ... we had a cast of twenty-nine .... a mixture of youth and experience!  The cast worked well together, all adding their own individual contributions throughout the production. As most will know, this is where I ‘put my neck on the block’ and start suggesting my ‘show stealer’ and my favourite characters ... yes, MY showstealer, MY favourites ... ask anyone else present the evening I attended and I’m sure they would have their own ideas, but these are mine... ‘Show stealer’ for me had to be John Delahunty who took on the role of ‘Muddles’ ... best friendof Snow White (in fact who’s in love with Snow White, but can’t pluck up the courage to tell her), he’s a Jester, a funny man, our comic for the evening, and what a fabulous job he did!  John is a very experienced actor and an actor who’s played this type of role many times and it showed! Great stage presence, great characterisation ... has this wonderful ability to interact with the audience which is vital if this type of role is going to work! Sang some great songs... particularly enjoyed ‘Dance with Me Tonight’ adapted for the production of ‘I Want Snow White to Dance with Me Tonight’. Muddles was also involved in a moment of ‘panto gold’ when having been ‘waxing lyrical’ about having nobody to love...  a ‘young boy’ sat in the audience, shouted out ... ‘You’ll find someone, don’t worry’ – this is when you know you’ve connected with your audience priceless ... great job John!  Next my ‘Shout outs’ to my three favourite characters... with John King being my first choice and his portrayal of ‘Herman the Handyman’. John created this wonderful comedic character which seemed to grow/develop as the show progressed.  Loved the ‘Scouse Accent’, great mannerisms, wonderful facial expressions which were present throughout.  Loved his line... ‘IT’S MY TRIFLE’ referring to his three barrelled ‘rifle’... great play on words ... be proud John great job. Kayleigh Ginley did a good job as the ‘villain’ of the piece ‘Queen Morgana’, suitably nasty, another that demanded an instant rapport from the audience, got it and milked all the boos and responses thrown her way!  Blessed with a great singing voice, I loved her rendition of ‘I Want It All’ ... be proud Kayleigh job well done!  My final ‘shout out’ goes to ‘The Miners’ our youth ensemble led well by notable Andrew Dunnett-Edge as ‘Bossy’; with Ewan Harris as ‘Patch’; Lucy Scott as ‘Dizzy; Amber Cooper as ‘Jumpy’; Daisy Wilson as ‘Silly’; Autumn Wright as ‘Cranky’ and Leo Rawsthorne as ‘Kevin’ all seven creating wonderful, imaginative individual characters whilst working ever so well together as a team, be very proud folks ... great job! 

The remaining cast members included Siobhan King who took the lead role of ‘Snow White’; Sophie Walker who played ‘Fairy Goodness’, Rikki Spofforth who did a good job as ‘Dame Nelly Nightnurse’; Harry Corcoran who played ‘Prince Danilo of Formbae’; Issy Housley who looked fabulous in her silver glittery suit and who played the ‘Magic Mirror’; Michael Stopyra who played ‘Crusher’. Ensemble Dancers included... Serafina Campolucci-Bordi, Isabelle Culshaw, Freya Dobson, Elle Fletcher, Maisie Francis, Amberley Lloyd Ellington, Jessie Jackson and Scarlett Sinclair. We also had a troupe of young dancers from the ‘ACE Studio’ who were fabulous ... they included Scarlett Spofforth, Amelia Sumner, Myla Wright, Anna Cunliffe, Mai Mai Xiu and Grace Myers.  Be proud all of you ...

Stage/Tech/Set...   as we entered the theatre we were met with a ‘glitter curtain’ with the show title ‘Snow White’ emblazoned across it ... looked great!  Liked the ‘countdown’ during the opening and the story told through projected images onto the ‘glitter cloth’ which brought us up to date with the life of Snow White up to her eighteenth birthday party. The set and staging were first class, (designed by Radley Haynes and John Coates).  There were some novel ideas used, plus some great projection all of which helped enhance the production which is what we’ve come to expect from SDC. In charge of all things Backstage, Sound, Lighting we had members of the SDC Production/Construction/Sound and Lighting Teams. Bob Jessamine was the person tasked with the Scenic Artistry .... he and all those involved should be congratulated on their efforts and a job well done. If I could be a little picky... I felt the plume of smoke/haze that greeted ‘Fairy Goodness’ whenever she entered, did cause her a few problems, she didn’t look at all comfortable, whether she’d got too close, it came on late or whether it was a little too much or on for too long I just don’t know, but she did look uncomfortable throughout!

Costumes/Props ... as always, the costumes used by SDC are always first class (under the watchful eye of the SDC Wardrobe Team and The Costume Store).  Props ... again always superb and always well used ...  looked after by Fiona Billington and Team.  Be ever so proud folks.

Ray Mann... I make mention in my opening paragraph, a giant here at SDC, who passed away in November, leaving a huge hole to fill.  Ray is described as a ‘cornerstone of SDC theatre community’ who will be missed enormously.  Could I on behalf of NODA and myself, just pay my respects to Ray’s family and friends ... ‘Rest in Peace Ray’.

Finally, can I take this opportunity to wish everyone at Southport Dramatic Club all the best for 2025.  Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to your production and thanks for allowing me to meet and speak briefly to the cast after the performance. Look forward to catching up with you again throughout 2025.

Stay Safe, Keep well
“Stronger Together”
Jim Briscoe …
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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