The Snow Queen

Adapted by themselves, this production touched all the bases: engagement of the young, slapstick, good and baddie characters and cheerful, seasonal songs.The storyline followed Gerda, whose parents were killed by the Snow Queen and whose brother's heart had been frozen by her, fighting the Snow Queen's pursuit of a magic mirror. Confidently, Michelle Weston gave us an innocent but strong Gerda who was championed by the mayor's son Eric. Claire Coyne took this role in her stride.The fun and slapstick stakes were ably managed by Gerda's grandparents: Stewart Bothwick as Pops, the amiable, put-upon-husband and Derek D. Easton as the outrageous Grandma whose costumes and wigs astounded and delighted and whose ability to master those wonderful shoes remains unsurpassed. The wallpapering with the planks and the bedroom scenes were a scream. Jennifer Brisbane gave a chilling performance of the Snow Queen and was ably abetted by Lewis Baird as a cold unfeeling Kai. Both were so intent on their evil goal, that they failed to notice the scheming Jack Frost, unlike the audience's little ones who booed him at every turn. As duplicitous Jack, Daniel Baillie wound them up and goaded them with his evil laugh. On a lighter note, the antics of the dizzy duo of likeable idiots Hans and Olaf, namely Lucy Andrew and Lynsey Craig, were well received especially with the huge cracker. Dale Henry sparkled as the Christmas Fairy, and John Coe and Jeanna Connell sparred well as man and wife team Mayor and Mayoress. Christmassy songs contributed to the atmosphere and soloists and chorus sang strongly and engagingly with well executed choreography. The fluorescent interlude was cleverly done. Costumes were fresh and colourful, creating a spectacle in the Ball scene and with striking effect for the characters of Jack Frost and The Fairy. The scenery, especially the Toy Shop, lent itself to the magic of the evening and was well constructed. Congratulations to all on a well rounded and thoroughly enjoyable panto.

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