Snow White and People of Varying Heights

This highly talented society has proved, over the years, its ability to stage exceptional productions. Sadly, this time, they were let down by a script which was too long and included too much ‘lavatory’ humour with too many smutty innuendos. Having said that, there were many good points and some excellent performances.

The highlight of the whole production, for the youngsters, was the slapstick routines. David Manning and Darren Worsfold are always outstanding in that section, going even more over the top than usual and I loved their ‘plank’ routine. So simple but so clever and obviously very well rehearsed.

The set was cleverly designed incorporating the necessary elements for every scene. This included a house and a very clever mirror. The narrator, Andy Bates, was great. His whole approach to the production was outstanding and the use of his chair was brilliant. I loved his whole performance. Mirror, played by Craig Bunce, was also hilarious and his use of the magic mirror which enabled him to enter and exit from the stage by simply pushing the strands of glitter aside was a great idea. His costume was fabulous and thoughtfully planned as were most of the principals outfits making it a very colourful show.

William, the huntsman, played by Alex Reed, was a joy to watch. His whole body language, facial expressions and great entrances and exits from the stage made him the ‘love element’ with a difference. The wicked Queen, Erin Mackey, commanded the stage every time she appeared whether it was as her thoroughly unpleasant self with her strident voice determined to be heard or even as the old lady in the wood who poisoned Snow White. She sang a very powerful solo with great passion. Alex also sang a duet with Georgie Tarr, Snow White, which was rather moving. Georgie spent quite a lot of time lying on the floor suffering from the Queen’s sleep potion but unfortunately kept opening her eyes and once almost sat up whilst supposedly under the influence of the poison.

Add to this a selection of ‘overgrown’ dwarfs, a dame, a prince and a valet all looking and acting the parts well and adding to the good chorus numbers and excellent direction by Laine Watson and Christmas is here with a flourish.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.