The Snow Queen

‘The Snow Queen’ is a well known and much loved fairy tale from the pen of Hans Christian Anderson. I have seen it several times turned into a pantomime but because it is such a unique story it doesn’t lend itself very well to that genre and here at Portishead with the Portishead Young Players you chose to tell the story, complete with endearing songs, faithfully to the original.    This production tells the story of a young boy Kay, who is persuaded by the Snow Queen to travel with her to her icy kingdom after a speck of her broken and distorted mirror became lodged in his eye. His young friend Gerda misses him so much she travels in search of him and the story is told in a series of seven short tales….Where she travels, who she meets and finally the happy reunion.

The PYPS Company demonstrated a wide age range with most the principal performers coming from older and most experienced members. The team had a beautifully painted and decorated backcloth and stage filled with hanging snowflakes and excellent stage props on which to tell their stories.  The principal colour themes were turquoise and white (most attractive) and these colours related to the costumes of the 5 narrators who did such a good job taking the audience from one story to the next.

The music was gentle, pleasant on the ear and fitted well into each scene. The singing could have been stronger but this is often a problem when children perform with no immediate guidance from the front (an MD or teacher) encouraging them and giving them confidence with entrances and finishes.

The costumes were all attractive and fitted well into the story. The Snow Queen costume was outstanding and with the clever make up she looked amazing.  The Snow Queens sleigh represented by 4 children in costume, holding drapes was excellent.  The principal performers were all good. ‘Gerda’ was outstanding with her sweet voice and confident personality, it was a big role and she did very well.

This was a large cast of young people who were obviously enjoying themselves. It was a very short musical presentation, but nonetheless enjoyable. Well done Portishead Players for offering the opportunity for the young people to experience the delight of musical theatre. Also well done to the young directors who managed to produce this entertainment whilst both were introducing a new generation to the Players! Congratulations to Caroline Edwards and Ben Salter and your families on the safe arrival of your new babies.

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