Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Fun, frolics and poison apples abounded at The Lyric Theatre with Dinnington Operatic Societies (DOS) production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.   This was a super panto with all the correct ingredients.  Directed by Mark Wareing it had a great script which suited this experienced Society.

It was a strong cast with Catherine Enos as Fairy Fortune and Mark Shaw as Merlin of the Mirror bringing some magic to a cold February evening.  Justice Quill (Nikki Potton) and Scribbles (Joanne Thornewell) were a well matched pair who had super delivery of their many comedy lines and topical jokes.  Paul Raymond was very funny with his leg dragging antics as the Queens Henchman, Slurp and Scott Walker made a dashing Prince Ferdinand.  Samantha Smedley was a most evil Queen Avarice who only had to step on stage for the audience to start booing. 

The traditional pairing of Ashley Booker, as the ‘silly Billy’ character Chuckles and Johnny Green as Edna Bucket, his mother and Dame, continues to work so well.  They are the perfect match in terms of timing and delivery and Booker made the most of the 'Palace Jester' opportunity to throw in endless jokes.  Green is a very entertaining Dame and his costume changes and vast array of shoes really add to the part.  The writer also has to admire his ability to repeatedly change the colour of his tights – he must be exhausted after every performance.

The Seven Dwarfs were played by children and voiced by adults.  The children did an excellent job in playing their character to the recorded tracks and built their individual personality through expression and movement.  They held their own in their scenes and did a great job.   Congratulations to Sophie Welsh as Brainy, Daniella Wilson as Smiley, Isabelle Askew as Blushful, Charlie-Brooke Walker as Snoozy, Haydee Potton as Grumbly, Lola Ellery as Sniffle and Emma Hurdubel as Dozy.  DOS have some great talent coming through.

Sincere congratulations must go to Sophie Keady who was an impressive Snow White.  As this is my favourite ‘Princess’ she had a huge amount to live up to and did an excellent job with her singing and dancing as well as bringing the character to life.  She was word perfect in her many scenes and particularly in those with the Dwarfs where there was clear empathy on stage.  A very mature performance from this talented young woman.

With bright and cheerful costumes and some fabulous wigs for the Dame this was a very well-dressed cast.  The backcloths and props were excellent and kept true to the storyline.  Jacqui Turner and Kirstie Turnbull choreographed for The Julie Turner Stage Academy and the Chorus respectively and the performances of these groups enhanced the production.  The little dancers raised an appreciative ‘awwww’ from the audience every time they entered the stage and the senior dancers were most proficient as well as being stunningly costumed throughout.   The four-piece band was led by Musical Director Jonathan Wilby and, as is always the case with live music, really enhanced the show.  The production had great sound and light.

Congratulations to all the Production Team, performers, those backstage and the Front of House Team who make visiting DOS shows an absolute pleasure.

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