The Snow Queen

The script for this well known winter tale of good overcoming evil, written by the director Amanda Craib, was peppered with local references and witty one-liners. It also contained 16 musical numbers – ranging from 80’s hard rock to Scottish folk to modern seasonal classics. Taking the lead roles of best friends Gerda and Kai were siblings Gemma and Declan Thomas adding a real sense of authenticity to the close bond between the characters. Young Gemma displayed strong acting abilities as Gerda led the campaign to rescue the kidnapped Kai and I particularly liked their rendition of the poignant “Somewhere Out There” in Act One. Declan too showed strong acting abilities especially as the truculent teenager whilst under the Snow Queen’s influence. Kim McIntyre as Granny May, Kai’s Grandmother, brought much humour to the piece as she assisted Gerda in the quest to rescue Kai. Naomi Bunyan as the icy Snow Queen revelled in the hisses and boos elicited from the youngsters in the audience. Assisting the Snow Queen in her evilness was Jenna Shea’s polar bear Alaska, a delightful characterisation who redeemed himself when revealed as Guardian of Winter when he co-operated with his fellow Guardians of the Seasons – Katy Rodway-Swanson (Aurora, Guardian of Summer), Aidan Hyndman (Hunter, Guardian of Autumn) and Lesley Oman (Maia, Guardian of Spring) - to defeat the Snow Queen and rescue Kai. Strong support was given by Ada Carmichael (Bramble the Crow) and Shannon Brown (Ember, Leader of the Leeries). The large chorus of Villagers, Leeries and Pixies sang and moved well in the ensemble numbers like the Act1 and Act2 finales “I’m Gonna Be (500miles)" and Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree” respectively. The set designers had been very innovative and built and installed a revolve on the stage which was put to good use in changing the scenes between the village, forest and Ice Palace ensuring there were no untimely delays. Costuming was bright and appropriate to each character as befits pantomime. Well done everyone involved for an evening thoroughly enjoyed by the enthusiastic audience.

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