Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

For two performances only audiences were treated to this delightful production of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs  all totally, performed, directed, and choreographed by the Junior section of Tipton Players and Pantomime Society, in addition to organising “front of house” duties, costumes, and props.

Written by two members of TIPPS, both former Juniors themselves and now the driving force behind the group, who gave a very warm welcome to everyone explaining that rehearsal time had been minimal.

The story unfolded in typical pantomime tradition, and the youngsters put their very own stamp on the production from the outset.

Clever choices had obviously been made when allocating parts, tailored to the varied strengths and sizes of the cast!

Reference was made early on to a possible likeness between Billy and his Mum Cherry which raised a chuckle when they entered as they were actually twins! Both did well as the “Silly Billy and Dame”.

The Dwarfs were not all “vertically challenged” but stepped up well portraying their characters excellently as their names described, Jolly, Greedy, Lazy, Oldie, Clumsy, and Tiny. Sulky was particularly “out of sorts” and this was conveyed strongly to the audience throughout!

Snow White looked delightful and made a lovely Principal Girl. Dressed in expected Snow White style, she quickly adjusted her red velvet hair band , pinning back the wonderful cascade of ringlets which unfortunately covered the side of her face at the start . Whew! 

The Sprite, in a pretty “woodland” tutu, competently set the scene at the beginning and of course as is expected appeared at just the right moment to save the day.

The wicked Queen Cyanide simply commanded the stage, in a great costume with a raised  collar she enlisted the “boos” from her first entrance and silenced the audience with just one look – scary!

The Prince, gently played, was suitably over awed on his first encounter with Snow White and was ably assisted by his side-kick Dave, played in a great “jack the lad”  style. 

However, this production was very much a team effort all round with everyone playing their roles sincerely, and  in some cases more than one!

All the expected elements of panto were included and there were some memorable moments. A delightful pantomime horse, and a fun race with a bevy of little jockeys, on inflatable mounts, all in slow motion to the theme from Chariots of Fire. A traditional baking scene where poor Billy certainly got the cake, and  an amusing “lunchbox” sequence with Snow White and the Dwarfs. The Tree of Truth with some lovely rosy, red apples spilling into the audience, was much enjoyed and the improvised Magic Mirror worked well.

At times, the dialogue tended to be a tab gabbled, perhaps down to first night nerves, and after only three rehearsals on stage some prompting was inevitable, but this simply served to add to all the fun!

Ending with a lively finale number and the usual Tipton refrain this production certainly highlighted a wealth of talent for the future and was very warmly received! Oh yes it was!

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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