Snow White
23rd to 25th November 2012
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Show Review by Stewart Adkins (NODA)
Performed in Ingatestone Community Centre, Saturday 24th November, 2012 Directors – Louise Hunt and Andrew Lindfield Its “panto time” so it must be getting close to Christmas and Young Expressions kicked off the season with a lively and enjoyable production of Snow White. This was a politically correct version without the cross-dressing dames or prince(ss) and with the traditional seven dwarves transmuted into seven gnomes. However, the slapstick and audience participation remained as Watt and Ware (“watcher Bob!”), played by Grant Clark and Ralph Stevens, the jobbing decorators and general palace dogsbodies did a grand job of providing much of the humour. Rebecca Craythorne was a wonderfully wicked Queen Cryptella and the scenes in the Queen’s Apartment were always well done. The interplay between the Queen and the audience was strong and I loved the mirror (Todd Brand) who, upon reflection, (get it!) made a lot of what could have been a rather dull part. Snow White (Jess Culverwell) had a lovely voice and should have confidence in her high register since she could easily get the top notes in Next to me. Alexander Bloom was a dashing Prince Edwin and Jared Bates as the Chamberlain had a strong vocal delivery. This pantomime provided small parts for so many young people giving a chance to those less experienced on stage and providing them with an opportunity to shine. I noticed several of the smaller/younger boys and girls had excellent projection and could easily be heard above the general hubbub of a laughing audience. As usual the back cloths and insets were excellent and the main costumes provided colour and interest. The music worked well and the volume balance between backing tracks and singers was just right. For some reason I preferred the second act to the first and can only conclude that the gnomes added that extra enjoyment. Well done to all and I look forward to the summer show. Reviewer – Stewart Adkins Regional Representative – District 8 NODA East. |
Well done all, another great show!
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