Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

My final production of the year (and third panto of the weekend) was Grange and District Amateur Operatic Societies “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, a NODA Panto written by Alan Frayn. We all, of course, know the story of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, the Prince, Wicked Queen etc, so I won`t go into the details here - there are slight differences in story (use of laptops, tablets etc), but the main difference between this one and others is that the Queen has actually sent for the Prince intending to marry him herself, but on the way he bumps into Snow White and falls in love.

Opening with Fairy Fortune and her Apprentice Fairy Favour, we`re given the usual introductions to the story, telling us in rhyme , of Snow Whites impending 18th Birthday. Both roles were played well by Izzie Shires and Annabel Holcroft, both clear and understandable from the off.

The title role of the piece, Snow White, was delightfully played by Kes Wright - Kes was perfect for the role, definitively princess-like and engaging throughout - no wonder Prince Ferdinand (earnestly played by Martha Rand) fell for her - their scenes together were charming.

Most of the joke telling and audience interaction came from the Dame Edna Bucket, Chuckles the Queen’s new Jester, with the double act being Justice Quill the Magistrate and Scribbles, Quill`s scribe. Dame Edna (Max Burrow) was as exuberant as any other dame I`d seen and obviously enjoyed the role, as did the audience. Alice Payne as Chuckles once again proved how well she understood how to deliver a punchline and how comedy actually works -mind you, it also helps if you`re smiling throughout and know how bad the jokes really are, but delivering with conviction.

Reece Carter and Emily-Kate Unsworth played Justice Quill and Scribbles - both again showing an understanding of just how and when to deliver lines - Emily`s dryness and fourth wall deliveries were a joy.

Nerissa Blatchley was really good as The Spirit of The Mirror - perfect diction, grace and deportment - carrying over the footlights really well.

The Dwarfs kept their characters throughout and kept the audience engaged. Austin Hammer, Becky McCleery, Amos Rand, Oliver Pearson, Jack Nickson, Holly Lloyd, Harry Burrow, and Josh Mason played Dwarfs  Brainy, Smiley, Dozy, Grumbly, Blushful, Snoozy and Sniffle played their parts well….. I`d hate to be the person having to wash Sniffle`s costume, put it that way! 

All other minor roles were well played by Douglas McCleery, Darwin Hamer, Austin Hamer, Katey Murgatroyd, Megan Hargan and Jake Rowlandson.

I haven`t missed the Wicked Queen out, Queen Avarice, I`ve just been trying to think of the superlatives I can use for Faye Hill’s performance. Faye`s performance was magnificent - capturing the essence of everything a Wicked Queen should be - commanding, dramatic, and charismatic, perfect diction and a great singing voice to boot! Marvellous!

The chorus were, as ever, enthusiastic and engaged in everything going on.

Scenery, staging and lighting were really good - scene changes were slick,  sound effects perfectly timed and effective lighting throughout. Musical numbers were provided by backing tracks - the musical numbers fitted well within the piece.

Producer and Director Combination of Jean and Mick Malkin must be extremely proud of what they, and the company, achieved with this Panto.

Thank you Grange and District Amateur Operatic Society for your invite, and hospitality.

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