Snow White

This was my first visit to a Morley pantomime and my last of this season - what a great time I've had!

Morley presented a traditional panto with a modern twist, using some familiar chart-topping songs for the adults and the children. It was fun all the way - with an audience full of Cubs, Scouts and Brownies, it kept the talented cast on their toes with plenty of 'boos' and 'cheers' from the stalls!

I must give a special mention to Steven Holt, as 'Dame Dolly Doughnut' - a most professional performer, he immediately had the audience in the palm of his hand,. Cracking one-liners and handling the hecklers with aplomb, he even had an incontinent 'cat' to spray the audience with water - classic timing! His sidekick, James Greatorex, as 'Billy Whizz', had  a natural rapport with the audience and drew sympathetic 'aahs' to his unrequited love for Snow White - played beautifully by Jeni Riordan. Her Prince was played by a stylish and confident Kaley Nicholson - I have watched both Jeni and Kaley gain experience and  maturity over the years and they always give one hundred per cent in their performances.

All the principals made the most of their roles - especially Carolynn Dickenson 'Wicked Queen' and Daniel Hayes, a sassy French 'Mirror'. The chorus and dancers were well-rehearsed and smiled non-stop - the 'Drawfs' were excellent with clear dialogue, characterisation and well acted performances.

I always admire the hard and dedicated work of the backstage crew - as always, the costumes, by Tina 'Tacker' and her wardrobe team, were excellent - also, the effective make-up by Suze Trim. The Technical team had also worked hard to give a very professional look to the production. 

Dean Patrick (Directior), Andrew Lockwood (Choreographer) and David Hann (Musical Director) all deserve a pat on the back for their collaboration in the production. I only have one tiny criticism - I felt that the scene changes were a little slow - I know this was because of the lack of flying space in the Town Hall - but this did not diminish by any means the enjoyment of the audience - who left the theatre smiling and happy - me included! 

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