The Snow Queen

Review: The Snow Queen Pantomime by St Nicholas Players

The Snow Queen, performed by St Nicholas Players, delivered an afternoon of family-friendly fun, filled with all the humour, charm, and spectacle we love in a traditional pantomime. Directed by Helen Roberts and Davina Caborn, this vibrant production put an imaginative spin on the classic fairy tale, showcasing stellar performances from the entire cast.

Amelie Howcroft and Aimee-Leigh Peach made a great pairing as Gretha and Kayden, the young heroes at the heart of the story. Their chemistry and delivery provided the perfect balance of energy and warmth, anchoring the show beautifully. Sgt. Oscar Foxtrot, played by Connor White, quickly won over the audience with his lively and fun character. His humour made it easy for everyone to connect with him, bringing the crowd into the story right away.

A standout performance came from Hether Slonimski, who played April Showers, a weather woman whose costumes changed with the weather. It was a delightful, quirky addition that brought both comedy and creativity to the stage.

As the villainous Queen Crystalline, Lynda Boyes was a commanding presence. Her portrayal of the frosty Snow Queen oozed elegance and menace, and her striking costume design was a visual highlight. Boyes truly brought the menace of the role to life, ensuring that the villain remained a captivating antagonist throughout the performance.

The comedic duo of Rum and Raisin, played by Phil Cunliffe and Lizzie Grattidge, provided plenty of laughs with their slapstick antics and impeccable timing. They offered a light-hearted charm, ensuring the audience was always entertained. Similarly, Helen Roebuck as Pierre Penguin, with her quirky French accent, made the penguin character a delightful addition to the show.

Emma Tocker-Booth brought a ray of sunshine as Solero, the good fairy, radiating positivity and light. Mike Roebuck’s portrayal of Auntie Marge was another standout, reminiscent of Monty Python humour. His unique energy and expert comic timing had the audience laughing from start to finish. Nancy Roe as Rufus the Reindeer brought warmth and cheer, adding yet another lovable character to the mix.

Without a doubt, the star of the show was Mark Hayward as Dame Betty Brioche. His larger-than-life personality and outlandish costumes made for a memorable performance, capturing the essence of what a pantomime dame should be: funny, fabulous, and full of heart.

The ensemble, featuring Lily Gornall as Angela of the North, with Art (Dani Johnson) and Deco (Niki Johnson) in their "Ant and Dec" inspired roles, also shone. Their dynamic energy and teamwork helped elevate the show’s overall performance.

The choreography, skilfully handled by Heidi Caborn and assisted by Isla Molloy, kept the production lively, with well-executed dance numbers that brought the magical atmosphere to life. The surprise appearance of Nessie (played by Georgie Lunt) the Loch Ness Monster was a fun, whimsical touch that delighted the audience.

Under the musical direction of Lucy Harvey, the production featured catchy tunes and musical numbers that had the audience clapping and singing along. The beautifully crafted set and painted backdrops enhanced the wintery world of the Snow Queen, while the warm, welcoming hall provided a perfect environment for the family-friendly experience.

A final highlight was the energetic ensemble performance led by Karen Norton as Captain Jack Cuckoo, alongside the young pirates Fire (Ellie Murphy), Earth (Henry Berridge), and Wind (Jamie Beesley), whose youthful energy and fun brought an added layer of excitement to the proceedings.

In conclusion, The Snow Queen by St Nicholas Players was a sparkling and enjoyable pantomime, filled with humour, heart, and fantastic performances. St. Nicholas Players raise important funds for local charities each year, adding even more goodwill to their production. Well done to them for combining entertainment with such meaningful contributions to the community!
 

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