Snow White & The Seven Trolls (Adult Cast)

Usually a panto opens with a big village chorus number that has the audience singing along, not so for Snow White and the 7 Trolls at The Squad House, Stockport.

The opening number took me by surprise. Chosen for the mirror reference but not an over familiar song, it involved only two cast members who, granted one was in a huge mirror (sorry- free standing vanity unit!) costume, almost
filled the stage. It was during this number that I got the measure of the show- it was to be sparse, quirky and different to any Snow White that had gone before. As the show progressed, my prediction came true!

As the space doesn’t allow for huge ensemble numbers, luscious backdrops and van loads of scenery, it had to rely on having a slant, an edge, a more experimental approach. Something of which I believe Sean Kennedy (writer and director) was fully aware.
This was a pantomime full of unconventional conventions- bear with me- the conventions and tricks and alternative humour have all been seen before but just not really in pantomime or in such abundance.
Panto is, theatrically, a strange beast as it breaks down the fourth wall, allows characters to fall out of role, includes audience participation, is full of relevant references to news items etc. Snow White and the Seven Trolls did all these but also inserted much more of the Brechtian school for want of a more up to date word! It was very aware of itself as a piece of theatre; the actors dropped out of role to discuss the script but in a very naturalistic and genuine way- much in the way Monty Python used; they inserted a news desk scenario (echoes of Susie Blake as the continuity announcer on the Victoria Wood sketch show) which commented on different story lines and allowed a roving reporter to interview characters from the panto; there were 2 Mr Ben jobsworths who had nothing to do with the plot, who popped up every so often, commenting on the whether the show could be deemed a pantomime or not by the amount of ticks they attained on the panto ‘must have’ check list! At first, I wasn’t sure how to take all this and the oddities that kept appearing and it was clear there was a range of talent/experience on stage but I was won over by the enthusiasm and dedication to the cause by the cast!

Dawn Vago as the Evil Queen was commanding and her use of facial expressions was fearless-I would have liked to have heard her sing more. Snow White was played with kindness and a sweetness by Susan Burton, who also came across as a very competent all-rounder. Chris Burton as the paternalistic Le Mirror was a comforting constant throughout - the audience felt safe in his hands when he graced the stage in a very cumbersome outfit that did not seem to faze him at all. Egor and Igor played by Ian Dalziel and Steve Clarke-Keating were brilliantly morose which contrasted starkly with their actor personas that we also witnessed. Dave Finch played Cuban Pete, a bizarre Hispanic fashion designer who turns up and stays throughout as a sort of clown - you’re left wondering why he
was there but you’re very glad he was! I laughed a lot at his theme tune moments. The nice but dim Huntsman was a great idea for a character and played well by Gavin Pemberton- the puffed up bravado slipped in a few places but a good performance none the less. A very considered and humorous performance was given by Abbi Dalziel as the cool and snobby Felicity Bucket and her witch was suitably wicked - this actress has excellent diction! Jemima Insole played with down to earth indifference by Ella Burton was a part worthy of Last of the Summer Wine! Ham and Camp complimented each other beautifully, the enthusiastic Danni Eastwood stood out for me, her delivery of the linguistic gymnastic type lines was impressive. (These two were my son’s favourite!)

The Trolls as a group were so genuine and although 3 of them had more to do, as a group they were strong movers and looked fantastic. Jennie Kennedy as Poppy was kind and genuine, a great foil to Branch the grumpy troll whose songs were the highlight of act 2. Cloud Guy brought a young humour that was appreciated by the children in the audience.
A complimentary word must be made about the costumes which were a feast for the eyes and the trolls certainly went all out to ensure they looked as magical as possible!
It was the earnest, dead pan and total commitment to the silliness without the hint of a knowing smile or “we know this is humorous” or “we know the audience will like this!” that was the winner of the day. The goons repeating gag, the evil queen’s utter confusion, Cuban Pete’s whole performance, Felicity Bucket’s portrayal, the Prince’s attempt at a song- all played with a commitment to playing it straight which really worked.

Congratulations to Sean and the cast and crew- you came across as a fun and dedicated team who looked very happy in your new home- an intriguing space that could lend itself to some exciting and alternative pieces.

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