Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

What better way to cheer everyone up during the cold, dark days of winter than to see a fantastic pantomime from LIDOS?  For those unfortunate souls unable to tear themselves away from their firesides, you missed a marvellous treat at the Carriageworks!

Once again, this talented group gave their audiences the very best production of this evergreen pantomime - it had everything - and more! In the hands of the skilful and talented director, Shirley Hoyland, this enthusiastic company had me gripped from the outset - we had the wickedest Queen Malevolent, played boldly by Rachel Winfield, who had the audiences booing before a line was delivered! Snow White (Lauren Hampshaw) and Prince Rupert (Claire Hoyland) were excellent in their roles, with engaging performances and very strong vocals. I have to give a congratulatory 'slap on the back' to Matthew Tempest as Handy Andy - he didn't miss a trick, engaging the audience from the start with a polished characterisation, the lynch-pin of the story. He was aided and abetted in true pantomime spirit by James Sidgwick as Dame Do-it-All - I just loved the dialogue between these two actors, the asides were spot-on!  We had some very clever technical tricks, particularly from the Spirit of the Mirror, played engagingly by Clare Devine. The inimitable Graham Siddle played a great Lord Chamberlain and Darren Ryder as a mysterious and handsome Huntsman.

I was so impressed with the Dwarfs - a smashing troup of young performers, so well rehearsed, well acted and sung their parts beautifully (I look forward to watching these young folk develop their skills in future productions). It just wouldn't be a pantomime without an ensemble to flesh out the story - and this ensemble worked so hard, reacting to all the scenes with enthusiasm.

The production team had so obviously worked very hard on every aspect - as well as the excellent Shirley, Craig Cockerill, as Musical Director, had rehearsed the company very well - I particularly thought the modern songs added greatly to the telling of the story - they hadn't just been chosen because they were popular. Donna Wells and Emma Tempest, the Choreographers, had devised breathtaking dance numbers for the ensemble - so well rehearsed they were a treat to watch. I just loved the 'Forest' section, introducing ballet, well executed by the dancers.

Behind the scenes, the standards were immaculate as always - Paul Harding as Stage Manager, Gill Mullins as ASM, Dan Dainter, stunning lighting, Chris Beardwell, excellent Sound and Projection, authentic Properties, Jill Spence - and where would we be without the back-up of family and friends with their backstage assistance? The Costume team - Elaine Jackson, Emma Stirk, Margaret Beck and Shirley Hoyland - a massive task but I can honestly say, the best dressed pantomime I have seen for a long time!  Excellent make-up was well thought out by Leeds City College of Hair, Beauty and Media Makeup.

All in all, a truly Magical show, very professional and I was proud of every single person involved. Congratulations to you all!

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