SNOW WHITE ROTTEN TO THE CORE

Snow White – Rotten to the Core is a Tom Whalley script, and as such is very adaptable for Director’s, in that they can make a few changes to suit their cast.  That said, I was a little perturbed at the overuse of profanities, including the ‘c’ word, which is not acceptable to many people.  Adult panto can take it, but less is often more and can be funnier, so perhaps a point to hold for the future.  There were some funny lines where opportunities were missed, possibly down to lack of experience.

I must commend the cast for keeping going, despite excessive heckling the night I was there, I'm sure the first-time adult panto members found it hard to deal with, so all power to them.  A plus was that I felt the cast were very integrated and looked after each other.

The set was a trademark TADS one, but nicely painted in bright colours, and I liked the addition of the cottage door, well-managed by the stage manager. There were some good lighting plots, which enhanced the action, I particularly liked the ‘hypnotist’ set lighting.

I found the costumes a little basic for my liking, there is so much more you can do without overspending.  The Mirror's beautiful dress was both stylish and bright, which served to point out the differences, panto is an ideal time for colourful OTT costumes.  I entirely lost the significance of Snow White’s white costume and thought the finale costumes were a bit haphazard, but colourful nonetheless!

Musically everything was mostly kept short, which was good, but nicely sung, and choreography was suitable for the various abilities.  12 Days of Christmas was very messy and therefore lost the element of fun.

Amelie Rocha played Magic Mirror, with such energy and a lovely take on the part, very well-achieved, I was impressed with Amelie’s overall improvement and characterisation.

Tracey Rudy, in her first outing with TADS, gave the Queen a very evil edge, her stage experience shone through, and she gave the audience some good put downs whilst retaining a strong characterisation.  I enjoyed Amelie and Tracey’s duet, they interacted well.

Michelle Stanton played a very full-on Nursie, a little too raucous at times, but the feel of a traditional Dame was there.

Connie Wiltshire was a playful Snow White, who delivered some saucy lines well, with Louise Crompton, another TADS first timer, giving the Prince a very likeable but naughty edge  - a good pairing.

Emily Venn showed her experience in creating the sleazy Phil, nicely done.

Maddison Price had probably the hardest task in playing the typical dimwitted son, and although I was needing a little more projection and intention overall, they coped well with the requirements of the part.

The ensemble of Alaina Hounslow, Jordan Allard and Natalie Shearer were enthusiastic throughout, I would have liked a little more strength in delivery from Jordan, as the ladies were very full on.  The other ensemble cameo roles were small but nicely created by Sophie Venn and Scott Gunter.

Not the easiest of scripts for the Director’s first attempt, and panto is often more difficult than other genres, so a good try. 

My thanks to TADS for their continued hospitality.

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