Snow White and The Dwarves!

The first of a double bill of pantos on my travels, it was great to be back at Old Buckenham for their matinee performance of a spirited reimagining of the classic tale, a “rock” themed version of Snow White, with the band “The Dwarves.” Written, directed, and produced by Maris McCann, the production brought a fresh twist to the story, whilst retaining the heart of the Snow White tale.

Set in the whimsical village of Tinkletown, the set design (Chris Morter and Joan Hocking), was colourful and well dressed. Costumes (Pam Perry and Xavier McCann), plus Lighting and sound (Tom Key and Zac Sowter) were also good. The Magic Mirror was cleverly set stage left facing the audience, using a screen that appeared and delivered a video of the Man in the Mirror (played by Laurence Barnett), when called upon.

Isla Butcher as Prince Huntsman, the love interest of Snow White, and Chris Morter, as Duke Stalksmore, with the cast, opened the show with a lively rendition of Me and You (But Mostly Me). Then we saw the different personas based on the Dwarves’ characters personalities form, as the brilliant Jon Moule, (latterly to become “Rock”), excitedly announcing that he wanted to form a band. I am not sure if Jon had springs in his shoes, but the way he jumped up and down with excitement and enthusiasm throughout was a highlight of the show. Each dwarf represented a musical style, with the band members completed by “Pop,” (Adrian Kidd), Sharp, (Josh Francis), “Sync,” (Kat Leitch), “Drums and Bass,” (Pam Nash), and “Flat”, (Andy Leitch). The band were joined later, by a rabbit, “Hip-Hop,” (Jennie Reavey), who finally defeated the evil Queen Malevelynn by giving her a taste of her own medicine. I liked the call of “Mah Na Mah Na” each time the Queen’s name was spoken, to her anger, albeit only those of a certain age would get the link with the Muppets song.

As Queen Malevelynn, Joan Hocking delivered the villain of the show with aplomb, with a good variety of characterisations each time disguised as the seller of potions and apples to the naïve and unsuspecting Snow White (Beth Marsh), then a good performance of “Toxic” going out into the audience. Fred Nash as King Charming, was  suitably downtrodden as the Father of Snow White and naïve Partner of the Queen.

Dame Melody (Matt Warren), was well played, singing “Independently Owned,” (from the musical “Shucked”), followed by some good slapstick mess when tasked with painting the Dwarves’ cottage blue.

Bringing warmth, charisma, and innocence to the Snow White part, Beth Marsh was very well cast, great diction and warmth with the audience, and a nice duet with Isla of “Make You Feel My love”, for a happy ending.

A special mention to Maris McCann-Williams for taking on the huge task of writing, directing, and producing this pantomime, it was a very enjoyable afternoon.

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.