Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

A good script from Ben Crocker, Director Jo Cooper made the most of the story with her cast and brought out the best in panto-land with a strong showing. Such great backing and accompaniment from John Settle’s group with mix of written/scored and original music, it is lovely to have ‘live’ and lively music. Sam Hoffman’s choreography gave a chance to all in the company, especially those younger participants, and was performed with great energy. And Set Manager Barry Bailey has been busy building ‘the big bits of set and props’ to accompany and enhance those Scenic Project cloths to make all look good.

            A big cast on the Carnegie stage and all very motivated and lively: Jo Cooper did well taking over mid-rehearsal period to complete the production and certainly the sold-out audience enjoyed it to the full with a lot of participation noise and reactions.

            Fairies, Charlie Jeffries and Emma Kelly, looked good and were what we all hope for from the ‘dexter’ side, but of course the wicked Queen Caligula of Lynne Jeffries of the ‘sinister side’ steals the show as definitely the best part when she plots against Snow White and how wicked and blood curdling she was, excellent.  Blackwing (Thomas Chamberlain at Thetford Academy) as her assistant was almost overwhelmed by her personality, but just managed to hold his own; as did the Mirror Voice Jo Van Der Hulks.

            In the comedy stakes, Bogwort and Stinkwort (Phil Pearson and Stuart Wright) made a good duo as the hapless dupes in the power of the Queen: they were excellent foils for each other and their timing was good. Dolly Dumpling played by Luke Jeffries, and I could hardly believe he is still a student at Thetford Academy before off to University.   This was a mature and well timed performance with all the right traits and a comedy feel. Enhanced with liveliness from back-up partner, and brought to fruition with encouragement and super-energy and timing, Danny Dumpling from Harry Smith was a performance to amaze and wonder at and (at a tall 13 years and performing last week in NADS pantomime), one waits to see what is in store for this talent. Thetford Players so fortunate with their young talent.

            And finally to the core of the story line with a quite delightful Snow White from Frankie Soan (also 6th form), looks, style, voice and dance just ideal for principal girl, and the reactions and vocals so good with the competent Prince, Jade Balmer, and leading all the company numbers. Plus what a relationship with those loveable dwarfs led by TD (top dwarf Jack Jenkins) who delivered the lines clearly and knew all their moves in their important part of the story. Liked the different names through copyright rules and little ‘Disney’ with drawing-block at 5 years old (double-cast) from Rosie Blackaller is a show-stopper.

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