Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Mundesley Panto, this year Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from the pen of Ben Crocker plus additions from the usual local input.  Once again a total sell-out and a great success and, no doubt, a great contribution to local charities and showing how vibrant Mundesley is as a village.

Direction in the very capable hands of Ian Cashmore and Pat Nearney (suspect the comedy lines in hands of latter), with Sharon Higgins encouraging all the singing, and those tiny scene-stealer dancers from the forest choreographed by Annamarie Sterne, good team.

An excellent set on stage, beautifully painted by Nigel and Brenda Holmes, gave good atmosphere for the piece.

Mundesley panto is not complete without the Norfolk Fairy from Sheila Olley in total control of the story, and nice to see her new apprentice in training, Una Laurence, learning the ropes against the forces of evil.  Gillian Davidson was dominant as Queen Cruella and earned all those boos from the Brownies, truly an evil character and she never let slip this interpretation, a great role. Assisted by Black Wing from Nick Davidson who tried to fulfil all wishes but did not win for evil, quite a sight as a black crow.  And in the Mirror, Speak True from Dave Turrell added to the story.

Georgia Pearce looked ideal as Snow White and her character came over well for the story: hated by stepmother, loved by prince, and welcomed by dwarfs. Opposite her as her Prince Frederick, tall and dark Will Houlton was very credible.

But Mundesley is known for the comedy stakes, and, with Paul Reynolds in the dress as Dolly Dumpling, we were not going to be disappointed, he worked so hard against Danny Dumpling from Jac Gatfield, and that irrepressible pair of stupid gangsters Grabbit and Scarper (Dylan Wilson and Neil Ellson) who were always going to be on the losing side of evil. And always remember that the old jokes in panto are the best with the correct timing. And the surprise partner in the comedy, played by Pat Nearney with a finesse and experience of touch and brilliant timing, Fang the dog who has not featured in previous productions of this story, but we could not have been without him and his relationship with the audience troupe of Brownies as well as the strong duo comedy with Dolly.

And of course the important principals in this tale: the seven dwarfs were so well characterised and definitely held their own in spite of diversions in the action, Cheryl Collings led as TD to keep order, Lesley Dillon, Judy Ellson, Marta Vilka, Di Reeve and Georgie Ellson all relished these different roles and extracted the most from their scenes.

Altogether a very traditional Mundesley special, full of fun and entertainment, lots of noise and interaction, and much enjoyed by your sell-out audiences. And again I must congratulate you on your fantastic charity work locally with 2017 panto giving over £4000 to worthy causes such as First Responders, the Inshore Lifeboat, Coastwatch, Brownies and Beavers, what a village effort and no wonder you were semi-finalists in Penelope Keith’s Villages with such vibrant volunteers. Keep up the good work.  

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