Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs - An original pantomime

Tipton Players & Pantomime Society

Written & directed by Natalie Anning & Claire Devin

Choreographer: Natalie Anning

Musical Director: Kyle Hayes

Tipton St John Community Hall

Saturday 23rd February 2019

“Tipton, Tipton here I come!”  The familiar strains of the overture heralded the opening of the show, and while this original script had all the traditional elements expected of pantomime there were also some unexpected and refreshing ideas. The two directors have come full circle since performing as young hopefuls in the 1999 production, and certainly put their own stamp on the story, bringing energy and enthusiasm by the bucketful, together with tremendous support from an experienced “invisible” production team.  The brand new raised seating helped with the sight lines enabling the acting area to be extended, creating the Queen’s Boudoir on the flat in front of DSR and avoiding cumbersome scene changes. The effect of the Magic Mirror using pre-recorded film sequences projected on to a decorated screen to the left of audience looking down into the Boudoir was a clever touch. The story unfolded at a cracking pace, and the audience was immediately engaged in the action with the energetic encouragement of the young lady playing “silly” Billy Bakewell, and well-partnered by “his” Mum, Cherry Bakewell, played in an endearing and traditional style – every sense a “bloke in a frock”. As to be expected Snow White was sweet and attractive, and the Prince, played in this production by young-man, tall and handsome and who fainted magnificently! He was shadowed at all times by Dave, his slightly incongruous, bearded “man-servant”,  warmly played by a female member of the company to the delight of the audience  - a part most probably written in especially.  The woodland Sprite sympathetically ensured that good triumphed in the end, and the wicked Queen Cynanide suitably maintained a sour persona throughout, but perhaps needed to be more disguised in the scene with the poisoned apple. Effective cameo parts came from Fabio of the “Magic Mirror”, and the Queen’s servant Cedric, who couldn’t bring himself to do the “dirty deed”, and members of the chorus gave confident and enthusiastic support. The introduction of Dapple the pantomime horse, sterling work by a husband and wife team from the chorus, gave opportunity for great fun adding a definite quirkiness to the production, and The Chariots of Fire race sequence, with the younger chorus members dressed as jockeys and the little ones riding inflatable ponies, was picture-perfect. Of course the youngsters playing the Dwarfs almost stole the show, effectively portraying their individual characters and receiving a warm reception from the audience. There was plenty of up-beat music and movement, and although perhaps She Loves You was a tad too long, the Baking Scene was commendably short, and the medley of song and dance numbers gave a good finish to Act I. The costumes, scenery, lighting and sound all contributed to the feel-good factor of this production, and the “Tree of Truth” when the apples just dropped from the branches was inspirational.

‘Tricia Barclay

NODA SW Representative District 6

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