Snow White and the Timber Troopers

Opening night at HATS’ annual panto saw a virtually full house, the village hall was buzzing with activity to see their latest in house written panto by Paul Corfield written around the Snow-White fairytale story. The hall was alive with helpers, front of house, refreshments and a nice touch at every show is HATS raising money for a chosen charity.

The set (Morag Jones, Terry Horsnell, Paul Corfield, Adrian Cook and Mary Cook) was a visual delight. The castle and portcullis were very well presented, and the scenes in the forest and cottage had been very nicely dressed in quality prints and well-placed props such as a log, to give a 3D effect. Add in some particularly good atmospheric lighting (Richard Clayton and Robin Paskins), and good quality costumes, for a cast of around 40, the stage was set.

MD Holly Hancock, on keyboard, supported by Josh Rowe and Reuben Smy on guitar and drums, sounded great, without drowning out the performers, as they played snippets from well-known songs for members of the cast to perform. A nod must be given to Robin Paskins in getting the sound and special effects in perfect sync with the show.

Narrator David Ivins opened proceedings with a warmth to his voice, introducing the story seated downstage left throughout, akin to what the BBC’s Jackanory used to present every teatime in my childhood. Julie Barker returned once again as the Fairy Godmother, protecting young Snow White (nicely portrayed by Holly Corfield), and turning evil Queen Melodora (Marion Jackson) into a nice kind person at the end. Marion’s performance was one of several that I really enjoyed. Her interactions with the Mirror (Si Swain), were hilarious-this was a very clever piece of theatre, where the silver mirror had Si’s face pop out as though he was really part of it, his face being painted with silver face paint and a silver cowl over his head. Adding in some really funny facial expressions and dry humour in response to the Queen, Si Swain made this part his own and it was a standout performance.

Larry Pendleton, as Wilkins, Melodora’s butler, was also very good as he downed a glass of tipple every time he came on, the stress of working for the Queen I am guessing made him resort to drink. There were no dwarves in this story, but we had a lively bunch of “Timber Troopers,” who live in the forest. Martin Hood, as Dame Marigold, had been on a dating site, and when stumbling across his online match “Chopper” (Aydan Birkett), as one of the Timber Troopers in the Woods, their interactions were very funny, especially when Dame Marigold leapt into Choppers arms to show Prince (Tom Corfiled), how a proper kiss should be delivered, had the audiences in stitches.

Michelle Lake was a particularly good Snow White, and I also enjoyed the interactions of Buttons (Chloe Gleadhill), with the audience.

Finally, a special mention to all the young cast, some were part of the Timber Troopers, Junior Chorus, and fantastic Rabbits. HATS are a very inclusive group, and the sense of community in the whole group in the village is evident every time I visit.

Well done to all at HATS, I look forward to Allo’ Allo’ later in the year.

 

 

 

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