The Snow Queen

I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a musical where every member of the cast has a principal role - until now, when, on Mothering Sunday, thanks to the imaginative writing of Driffield Musical Theatre’s Carolyne Jensen, it was my privilege to see The Snow Queen at Driffield’s Methodist Hall.  Not only did Carolyne write the script for this oft told and typical tale of a Wicked Queen turning good but she produced it and took the title role, a real “tour de force”.

Given that this performance took place on Mothering Sunday it was no surprise that the audience was somewhat smaller than had been the case for the two previous ones.  Nevertheless they remained enthusiastic throughout and gave plenty of vocal support to an equally enthusiastic cast, a mixture of young and, if I dare say, not so young actors.  Prominent amongst that latter category was Paul Thompson as Pinocchio, hardly a boy (forgive me Paul) but he gave an eye catching performance, ably assisted by Lee Wilson as Big Bad (Wolf).  Characterisation from this pair was excellent as was that of the Queen's evil henchman, Grimm, played by a suitably aggressive Chris Robson.

Notable amongst the other Fairytale characters on display were Dyan Dee as Tempest, the Queen’s troubled daughter, Amy Wilson as Little Red (Riding Hood) and Charli Willis as Alice (of Wonderland fame) all of whom gave believable and entertaining performances.

It’s worth noting that the entire cast made good use of the limited space on stage in this relatively small venue, venturing onto the floor at times to interact better with the audience and the simple set was all that was necessary to make this a thoroughly entertaining afternoon out. 

This is what I believe amateur musical theatre is all about.  A group of people putting their talent, however large, out there for the entertainment of others and having the time of their lives doing so.

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