Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs

Normanton Musical Theatre Society’s production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs offered a fresh, lively take on the classic pantomime, delighting audiences with its blend of humour, music, and unexpected twists.

The show opened on a high note with Emma Louise Gill as Snow White leading the ensemble in an engaging and spirited musical number, setting the tone for the evening. Emma’s portrayal of Snow White captured the character’s sweetness and charm, supported by her lovely singing voice, particularly in duets with Prince Ferdinand, played by Madeleine Easter. Madeleine brought strength and determination to her role, with vocal performances that highlighted her talent and paired beautifully with Emma’s.

Jessica Fahey shone as Chuckles, the court jester, quickly winning over the audience with her wit and comedic timing. Her quips and the recurring catchphrase "Make us chuckle Chuckles" kept the energy high and ensured enthusiastic audience participation throughout the show.

As Dame Edna Bucket, society stalwart Paul Wilkinson was a master of pace, seamlessly blending scripted humour with adlibbed moments that brought unique charm to the performance. Paul’s ability to react to spontaneous occurrences on stage added an extra layer of enjoyment and professionalism.

On the traditional panto theme of good vs. evil, Nichola Wiley was a graceful and ethereal Fairy Fortune, while Debbie Kenworthy owned the stage as the villainous Queen Avarice. Debbie's commanding presence and exaggerated malevolence made her a perfect antagonist, encouraging plenty of well-earned boos and hisses. Chloe Butcher as Slurp, Queen Avarice’s bumbling sidekick, brought physical comedy to the fore with her hilarious struggle to remember which leg was “bad,” eliciting laughter with every stumble.

The seven dwarfs—integral to the story—were a highlight of the show, showcasing the society’s talented younger members. Each performer brought individuality and confidence to their role, and their modern attire gave a fresh twist to the classic characters. The dwarfs were portrayed as follows:

• Brainy: Georgia Sorby
• Sniffles: Gracie Snell
• Dozy: Evie Hampton
• Smiley: Eliza Sorby
• Grumbly: Grace Mutch
• Snoozy: Jakob Fahey-Mountain
• Blushful: Grace Jessop

Their performances were full of energy, charm, and character, and they demonstrated real stage presence. With this level of confidence and skill, many of them are surely destined for future lead roles.

Other notable performances came from Elaine Oakley as Merlina of the Mirror, impressing in her first speaking role, and the duo of Jennifer Waring and Kaitlen Blacker as Justice Quill and Scribbles. Their comedic partnership demonstrated excellent timing and rapport, earning laughs and showing great potential for future roles.

While the minimal set worked well overall, some elements of the production design were bolder choices. Director Chris Oxley’s decision to forgo Snow White’s traditional costume and reimagine the dwarfs’ aesthetic was a daring departure from audience expectations. While the fresh perspective was appreciated, there’s room to question whether some traditions are best left untouched—particularly the classic princess imagery that many associate with Snow White. Nonetheless, credit must go to Chris for taking creative risks that made this version of Snow White distinctive.

The choreography, by Jessica Fahey, and musical direction, by Rosy Newton-VDB, were well-matched to the abilities of the cast, with polished routines and an excellent selection of songs. These elements added energy and cohesion, ensuring the show flowed smoothly and maintained the audience’s engagement.

In conclusion, Normanton Musical Theatre Society delivered an entertaining and innovative take on a beloved pantomime. The strong performances, comedic flair, and willingness to experiment made for a memorable evening. Congratulations to the cast and crew for a job well done!

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