Snow White

It was a shame that there was not a larger audience in Downham Market Town Hall for this performance of Snow White. There were however a few children sat in front of me, they appeared to enjoy themselves. I knew before the show started that there had been a problem with cast and that several youngsters had stepped in to their roles only a week before show week so wondered how they would cope, remarkably well it turned out.

The show started with The Mirror and the appearance of Queen Malevolent, quite quickly a video was played of a young Snow White, however the electrics of this screen disrupted the dialogue of the mirror so although the idea was good, it made it difficult to understand what the mirror was saying. The Mirror was performed by director Arabella Clift who wore a remarkably sparkly silver costume and mask. At times she appeared in a mirror frame towards the rear of the stage and at others she came out of the frame appearing centre stage. I’m not sure that worked, maybe the mirror frame should have been nearer the front of the stage, either stage left or right.

As the traditional baddie, Queen Malevolent was well cast and Julia Wood gave a good performance, very confident with a good clear voice, well costumed and good make-up, well booed and hissed at. We had the traditional Snow White and her Prince played by, respectively Gracie Ludlow and Daisy Lister. The Dame, Heather Duster and her side kick Muddles were played by Carrie-Ann Lister and Malcolm Baker, they both tried hard with their gags alongside enlivening the audience, Heather Duster had the misfortune of choosing an audience member who kept leaving the auditorium ruining some of her best gags. Queen Malevolent’s henchman Heinrich was well played by Ami Wisekins. The seven dwarfs were Jewellers in this version, there was a variety of confidence, which also showed in the dialogue, some were very softly spoken and hard to hear. The youngsters who had come in at the last minute as ensemble held their own in the dance numbers and singing. Matthew Clift enjoyed himself as a Squirrel.

Staging of the show was quite straight forward, costumes were effective, some good effects, the snow and the scene in the ‘laundry’. Some issues with sound, although lighting was good. There was good use made of a back cloth and the closing of the front tabs to allow scene changes allowed for less blackouts than last year and quicker scene changes.

This was a valiant effort and with as full an audience as with the Saturday matinee the hall would have resounded with good responses and enthusiastic singing for the community sing along.

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