Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

A family-riendly village panto, played to three enthusiastic local audiences. Somehow, despite all the hurdles to be jumped before any production can be mounted in this completely flat, uninviting school hall, Newchurch DG always gives us our money`s worth and more. Having built a proper stage from scratch, sorted out lighting and sound, painted and erected scenery to rival any of the bigger societies, ironed out the snags associated with being on stage, in costume, for the first time, this small group is able to amaze us with a polished show, all within four days!

Snow White starred the actors and actresses the audiences know and love, although several of the dwarfs were unfamiliar faces. All seven played their individual characters believably. One of the smaller ones, Cally Jacobs playing Sniffles, was particularly good and caused a great deal of amusement when she offered her recently used, very damp, red hankie to Snow White, who did her best to accept it gracefully before handing it back.

Marilyn Bersey playing Queen Malevolent, looked quite stunning and one could really have believed she thought she was the most beautiful woman in the land. She played her dual roles of Queen and Old Woman with her usual flair and I really thought her characterisations extremely well observed and delivered with assurance.

Reuben Loake - Dame Doitall - was very good indeed. He was clear, had an excellent rapport with the audience and, best of all, he didn`t attempt one of those grating, high- pitched voices that most Dames seem to think is necessary. Also, his costumes were slightly outre without being over the top and downright silly. I particularly liked the final black and white ensemble which was most flattering.

Lisa Hopwood - Snow White in a traditional Disney type dress - looked and acted the part as if made for it . She has a sweet singing voice, although the song As Long As He Needs Me, seemed a slightly odd choice of song when in the Dwarf`s home. ?

The White duo, Ros and Steve, playing Prince Rupert and the Lord Chamberalin prespectively, were in their usual type of role. The one leggy and dashing, the other, well, eccentric. In fact, I liked Steve`s Lord Chamberlain and when sparring with Heather Johnson as Handy Andy, the result was an added bonus for the audience.

Terry Pearson had the small but necessary role as The Spirit of the Mirror. He sounded eerie and his green face gave the part an almost sinister feel.

Mark Stewart played the Huntsman and the masked animals - all children - provided welcome interludes. The unexpected distribution of sweets to the younger members of the audience proved a winner and the painted backcloths - in particular those of the palace and the woods - ensured that the whole evening was a joyful experience, notwithstanding the evil Queen and her poisoned apple. All in all, another successful village production to delight the village audiences who provide the loyal backbone to these productions by the longstanding and successful Newchurch Drama Group.

Directors Dianne and Barry Aspinall Musicians Elizabeth Boreham and Rick Stewart

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