Snow White and the Several Dwarfs

It’s pantomime time again as this Society makes another of its occasional detours from the world of musicals.  The result is an opportunity to involve a number of members who might prefer this genre, particularly with parts for children as various creatures of the forest and, indeed, the very title allows flexibility in the number of the vertically-challenged.

The whole thing provided a happy and entertaining evening with some excellent performances from the principals. Andrew Lloyd as Nana Ida Doolittle, complete with designer stubble, established excellent rapport with the audience and seized every opportunity to have fun with some ad-libs, whilst on several occasions reminding us all, his colleagues included, that this was “a family show”.  Indeed it was and, although I for one would not be an advocate of any earthier material, the script was perhaps less hilarious than some. As ever, a few local references added more humour. 

There were additions to the usual story with the inclusion of four colourful special agents, apparently from Tadcaster’s twin town in France, led by Catherine Marshall as Agent Brown; special mention must be made of Sophia O’Callaghan as Agent Scarlett, defying injury to ensure that “the show must go on”. The usual couple of comic types, in this case Fester and Boyle, were well played by Peter Fletcher and Tamsyn Chadwick. Becky Hawkins made a good job of the title role and Beverley Goring was an appropriately unpleasant character to the extent that we wondered what the King had seen in her. As that part was played by her real-life husband, Ian Goring, we can only assume that he is aware of her better qualities.  So too was young Bailey Smith as the all-seeing mirror, whose comments, sometimes not entirely favourable, were delivered with great confidence. Diane Eyers as Sorry, perhaps the most vocal of the dwarfs, made the most of the part, even though we did not meet them until the second act. Linsey Fone as Prince Dan delivered the all-important touch which revived our heroine from the effect of the poisoned apple.

A quartet of musicians provided good support, and, although the choice of songs is perhaps restricted by the author, I would have preferred a few more to be a little better known.  I understand that ticket sales were good and was interested to see timings for the Saturday performances at 1pm and 5pm. Particularly with a show designed to attract children, I am sure this was a wise decision and perhaps an indication of future trends for many of us in that the same preference for daytime theatre-going also extends to many older patrons.                    

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