Snow White and the Seven Dwarves – A Review
The Great Bedwyn Pantomime Society’s production of Snow White, written by Stuart Ardern, played to full houses in February and was a luxury double-cream-custard-pie of a show. I am sure the actors would be the first to admit that they were only part of the story behind what was an outstandingly jolly and warm production. One of the many people labouring behind the scenes was Director Jane Heather (who deserves much credit for reviving the tradition of pantomime in the village). Another unsung, but essential hero of the piece, was Producer Lesley Hitchman. I know Lesley would immediately pass the credit to her team of back stage assistants who delivered some wonderful scenery, lighting effects, make-up and slick scene changes. A special mention must go to Di Braybrooke who is a most exceptional and imaginative Wardrobe Manager; once again her costumes were in turn gorgeous and hilarious.
Louise Heffernan is a real life Fairy Godmother to all the Society’s shows in her role as Box Office Manager. Praise is also due to Penny Herrod-Taylor, Jane Perry and Kim Good who do a such cracking job at running an exceptionally well stocked bar and tuck shop.
The story of Snow White’s adventures in the kingdom of Bedwyn is one of a very confused King; a wily pair of crooks; a steely and menacing stepmother; and, some unusually vertically advantaged Dwarves and, three - yes I did say three – Royal Princes. We greatly enjoyed a heavenly and rather loveable dame from Crispin Herrod-Taylor who managed his lines, his independently minded wig and his enormous bosom with considerable dexterity and panache. The cast delivered the musical numbers with aplomb and consistency - none more so than Julie van Haperen and Brenda Mason, who as Prince Roger from Ramsbury and the Evil Queen, performed demanding solo numbers with verve and polish. The full cast numbers were imaginatively arranged and it was lovely to see the chorus sing with so much confidence.
The Seven Dwarves were a magical marvel – helped in no small part by their witty and beautifully executed costumes. Cicely Herrod-Taylor, Sophie King, Freddie Good and Cameron Stefford handled the roles of the younger dwarves with impressive confidence; running rings around the adults without missing a step or dropping an accent. The older – I hesitate to say more mature Dwarves – were utterly hilarious. With brave abandon Jake Cramsie-Smith brought new life to more than one old joke. Paul Glenister gleefully captured the posh-nice-but-dim character of Sigmund the Lofty and Kaye Walton took Gallic anarchy to side-splitting heights as Riddley Lornhammer.
As Nifty and Shifty Deborah Lester-George and Sue Kershaw mesmerised the audience. They shimmied around the stage hawking their dodgy goods and spinning webs of beautifully choreographed confusion. Beth Knights was a delightful and charming young Snow White, dancing with real sparkle, Jess Darkens was a poised adult Snow White holding her own among the comedy characters. We much enjoyed the moments when Footman Helen Lane’s comedy entrances stole the stage from the principals. David Haynes played an endearing and brave huntsman and without the aid of props or limbs Katherine Comben gave us a Magic Mirror packed with a glossy sarcasm and chilling pronouncements. Bruce Mason is an actor of great flair and charmed us with a typically charismatic performance as the bumbling King Cornelius (who I doubt will be single for long). Meanwhile, Sarah Knights was disturbingly mesmerising as Prince ‘Simples’ Lionel from Transylvania and Suzanne Graham’s Australian Prince Maurice was so convincing that I imagine she is even now schooling Dwarves in the merits of Foster’s Lager.
The chorus were well schooled and all shone in their roles as the soldiers, animals and courtiers. I should declare an interest here, as my son was a very happy member of the chorus. It’s a tribute to the Director and the adult members of the cast that the children enjoyed the rehearsals nearly as much as the performances. Music accompaniment was provided by Robin Bond on keyboard and Ralph Kennington on drums. Together they brought an energy and zest to the musical numbers that added significantly to the pace of the production.
And do I have a criticism? Perhaps one small one: should Jake Cramsie-Smith ever decide to reprise his role as the Pest Control Officer, he might consider first paying a visit to the local spray tan salon.
Karen Gardner
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The Pantomime Society of Great Bedwyn
