Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White & the Severn Dwarfs

Hoylake & West Kirby Theatre Group

9/1/25

It was a record low temperature on the Wirral the evening I attended Hoylake & West Kirby’s production of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. However, this did not deter the loyal followers of this very popular musical society, the anticipation plus an excited audience in the auditorium was magic.

We are introduced to this enchanting fairy tale by the very talented Fairy Fortune (Erin Moxham). The Panto follows the story of Snow White (Liz Hardwick) and her evil Stepmother Queen Avarice (Kaitlin Kay). Of course, Avarice despises Snow White for she is the ‘fairest of the land’, told to Queen by her magic mirror Merlin (Stuart Kay). Queen Avarice has to do whatever she feels necessary to win the handsome Prince Ferdinand (Gemma George), so engaging the unscrupulous Justice Quill. (Louise Gleave) and his clerk the hapless Scribbles (Anna Charles) they hatch a plan to legally dispose of Snow White.

What of the compulsory Pantomime Dame you may ask: We have Edna Bucket (Jamie Brown) and his side-kick Chuckles (Katie Brown), what a tour de force this pair were. If you have seen a H.A.W.K panto before, you will immediately recognise the formula of the increasingly outrageous outfits worn by the Panto Dame in each scene, extreme makeup, headgear and facial expressions hugely entertaining to watch. The camaraderie between Edna and the hilarious Chuckles was contagious. Katie Brown (Chuckles) had so much energy on stage, wonderful use of the third wall, clearly a very passionate performer! 

Jon Croft is a director/choreographer who knows what he wants, a talented cast efficient Stage Manager Ritchie Clarke and production team. Loved the set, my favourite being the dwarf’s cottage, which was a delight. Praise to the lighting Jamie Moran, sound Elliot Tutt, and not to forget Rose Evans and her wardrobe team for her magnificent colourful costumes. Jeff Broadbere is once again Musical Director with his multi-talented band, accompanying some great numbers, opening with ‘Brand New Day’ Snow White, ‘Move your Feet/ Dance it’s a Sunshine Day’ the Seven Dwarfs.  The second half stand out numbers for me were ‘Girl in a Mirror’ Prince & Snow White, ‘I’m Coming Out’ Merlin. As I always say a live orchestra  adds atmosphere to any pantomime.

Time to mention the plot once more, Justice Quill informs Queen Avarice that she cannot legally dispose of Snow White, so she decides to engage the hapless Slurp (Chris Davies) to kill her and remove her heart, but this is Panto: Slurp spares her and she is hidden in the cottage in the woods, which happens to belong to seven dwarfs, Brainy (Joseph Dawson) Smiley (Ailsa Haggot) Dozy (Bella Farrell) Blushful (Charlie Brock) Sniffle (Jess Forster) Snoozy (Anais Gladwell) Grumbly (Oliver Box).Who were all adorable and so very talented, be ever so proud of what you have achieved.

Pantomime is a unique genre, big, bold and over-the-top, a Director/Choreographers dream. Snow White is a full-on show, the chorus and dancers were splendid, the pace is maintained throughout, providing a night of fun and laughter. A lot of thought had clearly gone into presenting this  well-known fairy story with a thoroughly modern, up-to-date script, and this is a great show which is funny and done full justice by a great cast.

This well-loved story of Snow White was the very first full-length animated film ever made, released in 1937  it was in colour with fully integrated music and songs. Disney came up with ideas that made the old fairy tale into something fresh and totally unique. It was a huge box office hit, being the highest -grossing animated film of all time, winning a special Academy Award.

Congratulations Hoylake & West Kirby Theatre Group on an imaginative entertaining pantomime, it was a blast. Looking forward to the next production.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 

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