Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

On arrival for our first visit at the Hall we were taken to see the facilities. I said it was like a Tardis, not just the building but, as the evening unfolded, it was the amount of talent there, both on stage and behind the scenes. We were treated to an evening of vibrant backcloths and scenery, lots of enthusiasm and fun radiating from the stage to audience. All of the traditional pantomime elements were included – “He’s behind you”, custard pies, chases, alongside many original ideas. The Technical team gave us an exploding oven, an oversize working musical box (Leila / Honey Hiatt – the ballerina). The apple tree gave another dimension to the scenery and was very effectively used.

The entrance of the dwarfs was very entertaining, red upper bodies on small puppet-type bodies and feet dancing the twist & Gangnam style to name a few.

The dwarfs did all that was expected, all playing their characters well. A special congratulations to a Scottish Grouchy (Su Tacey). She gave a convincing performance throughout. They were joined by a special appearance by Ellie Simmons, our Paralympic gold medallist with a comment “Call yourselves dwarfs?”

The show was opened by Asphyxia (David Gosney). He evoked lots of boos and hisses, but not for his excellent rendition of ‘Devil Woman’. Congratulations.

The whole show was performed with lots of enthusiasm from everyone throughout. There was a large cast and a wide age range, all used effectively. Tots as fairy dancers and dancing rabbits always manage to steal the show. The choreography of chorus (Elaine Foote) and children (Penny Gibbons) was fun and obviously well rehearsed.

With such a large cast it is difficult to mention everyone, from programme sellers with their buckets and flowers, a 9 piece orchestra and piano, all volunteers, the lighting team including young up and coming members, scenery and lots of costume changes, all supporting the performers.

The show was well received by the enthusiastic audience who loved the ‘12 days of holiday’ number, which sent us home laughing and cheering.

Congratulations to everyone.

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