THE SNOW QUEEN

What a delightful final production of the year for the Rep – beautiful to look at, enchanting and magical, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the tried and tested Directors and Choreographer used their cast of young, mature, new and experienced performers well, to create a memorable piece of theatre.

Technically excellent, from the choice of music to the creative lighting and projections - particularly the snow scenes – very atmospheric, making this delightful to the ear and eye – very well thought-out.

The static set, with a few movable props worked well, and meant everything was practically seamless.  The way the broken mirror was portrayed was also very good.  I liked the way the cast portrayed and moved through the river.  The fight scene was also well choreographed and played out.

Costumes were very good – with The Snow Queen looking absolutely stunning, and the various creatures also creatively imagined, I loved the Crow’s costume too.  Movement was so appropriate, giving each character the chance to be immersed in their own particular part, very good.

Ellie Fromow (The Snow Queen) not only looked stunning but was very regal and used her eyes as well as expression to give the character every nuance possible – very cold – excellent.

Nick Norkin (Crow) a new performer to the Rep, was excellent in his characterisation, with a costume that created a really good effect – very well done.

Reuben Fox (Kai) and Tiana Rogers (Gerda) were a delightful couple, giving us the sense of good friends and their diverging ways, but eventually finding each other again – good portrayals.

Pauline Knowles (Grandmother) had that nice homely feel to her character, nicely achieved.

Daniel Clarke (Reindeer) showed a good understanding and feel to his portrayal, whilst keeping the Reindeer grounded and believable.

Jenny McDonald (Old Troll) looked good – and narrated the piece with a commanding presence, that contrasted well with the rest of the cast.

Lorna Trapp (Old Hag/Finn Woman) brought her undoubted experience to both roles, giving us a breadth of acting that was well-achieved, with Macy Wells (Lapp Woman) also giving us a different portrayal – many contrasts.

Summa Topham, Phoenix Oakwood & Zara Heipner (Trolls), Stuart Goaman, Anthony Bird & Ruari Trapp (Robbers) Zara Heipner (Robber Girl) all added much to the proceedings, very well-acted, adding dimensions to the play.

The cast also filled in with various other parts, all of which gave this play, which was more than a just a play, the bewitching feel – as you can tell I loved it all!

My thanks to the Directors and FoH staff who made me very welcome.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.