The Snow Queen

There was a full house at Kirklands Community Centre when Menston Thespians presented The Snow Queen. This is an unusual story to be turned into a pantomime, but in the hands of writer Kei Bailey and directors Steve Gillett-Place and Nick Howell it followed some traditional patterns, brought new ideas and thoroughly entertained.

As the curtain raiser not one, but two fairies guided us through the story including local jokes and fairy humour (Victoria Broadbent and Jan Dodds). Sounds effects throughout were great but the voice effect used for Sarah Lee as the Snow Queen was excellent, really chilling for the young audience. We moved straight into a lively opening chorus with a good music choice and lots of smiling faces. The simple, but well-rehearsed choreography worked brilliantly on a small stage. The live band made such an impact. Live music supports the singers as it can be flexible. It is also there for the incidental music between scene changes and of course the traditional drum roll at the conclusion of a corny joke. The songs were kept to an appropriate length and everyone seemed to be singing in a suitable key, which is not always the case when singing has to be done to backing tracks. Well done to David Boddy, Derek Arnold, Dean Bagnall and Alan Senior; great music choices throughout.

The dame and sidekick are an essential part of any pantomime. Nick Howell and Rob Gillett-Place as Aunty Pru and Jamie spearheaded the production with their relaxed approach. The audience always felt in safe hands. Rob really excelled in this particular ‘fool’ role and the audience loved him. Great make up by the way. Nick impressed with his many wigs or maybe hats which changed on every entry; and these two were just one of the excellent comedy pairings in this production.

Sara Lee and Wander Bruijel made another good comedy duo. Fantastic ice costumes and fabulous physicality meant that the children were never scared, just entertained by the two baddies. Ruth Brikett as Odd Bob added to the fun. The captain was played in principal boy style by Sally Hughes and she and Matt Hardin added another comedy element to the show. Claire Wright Paget helped and supported the children as Cora the Crow who moulted all her feathers each time she got scared.

Many of the jokes were tried and tested panto favourites but I did enjoy the ice cream scene when poor Jamie kept getting the wrong end of the automated ice cream machine. John Ealden as Cuthbert Cream was fun in this scene. As well as the golden oldies, there were a few original jokes and puns which the audience loved. Interaction was encouraged by a few chases through the audience which pleased the kids as well as the traditional panto call and responses- they never seem to grow old and always please a new generation of children.

There was a softer and more serious side to the production in the persons of Gerda Merryweather, Prince Frederick and Kay Merryweather. Such is the strength in depth of the company now, that many parts in the show were doubled to increase opportunities. Layla-Rae Stancliffe played Gerda when I was there. She had a good clear speaking voice and was confident on the stage. Phoebe Gowland was Prince Frederick and Sophie Padgett was Kay. The three of them carried the original story through. But there was a twist in the tail of which I thoroughly approved. Gerda did not choose happily ever after with a prince. Instead, she chose to be a strong independent woman and go travelling alone. Shout out for girl power!

Talking of making opportunities, young Isla Smith from the youth ensemble was given a chance to showcase her amazing voice and two of the team Darcie Clegg and Molly Cox were involved in the choreography. All the dance numbers were great, simple but effective and I enjoyed the line dancing song. It is clear that young people in this group are encouraged to fly high. A group of five servants to the Snow Queen were also given an opportunity to shine.

The show rounded off with a traditional community song with a good link to the main plot via ice cream and a cheerful finale where all thirty performers joined together in a final song. All in all, this was a joyous evening. Not just a really entertaining show but a community where everyone is given a chance to shine. Thank you for inviting me.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.