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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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The wicked queen rules, OK! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Sutton Arts Theatre, Sutton Coldfield ***** SNOW White is one of the better pantomimes stories. The versatile Sutton Arts Theatre company chose their production well for this year. Director Emily Armstrong has done a fabulous job in putting her own spin on the story, in conjunction with writer Peter Wilman, to produce one of the best amateur pantomime productions I have seen for a very long time. In this instance the term "amateur" relates to
the performers giving their time for free only, as the professionalism
evident in every aspect of proceedings is the predominant impression,
entertaining, and delighting, a full house. Stage Director John Islip had his work cut out,
and excelled. The scenery was colourful and robust, some scene changes
complex, and there was the technical challenge of a talking mirror,
which behaved itself impeccably. It was a visual delight, as were the
lavish costumes. Children played the seven dwarfs. Patsy Broom,
Alicia McBrine, Fynn Sweeney, Carianne Wright, Rosie Sweeney, Luke
Flaherty, Seanna Rondet and Harrison Casey filling the roles
convincingly with enthusiasm and humour, a tribute to both the
Director, and Choreographer Emma Allen. The role of dame is pivotal to a pantomime’s
success, Rob Phillips as Dolly Mixture, played her in the style of Don
Mclean. His two handers involving love interest Lord Steward, played
deadpan by Dave Douglas, with hoary jokes and slapstick comedy, were a
treat, particularly the scene with a roaming bear.
Aimee Horner is a delight as Snow White, innocent and cute, without being twee. Her Prince Charming, or in this case Prince George, a dashing Arron Armstrong- Craddock, starts off as a geek, but is much more comfortable when he can shake off the shackles of his books and sweep his girl off her feet. Louise Farmer has been a stalwart of several of
the Company’s productions this year. She appears as the Spirit of
Gracechurch, narrating between scenes, and providing confidence and
presence to the younger members of the cast during chorus and ensemble
choreography numbers. However the scene stealer in this production is Liz Webster as the wicked stepmother, Queen Griselda. I overheard a young girl behind me, part of a particularly vocal and animated audience, remarking to her mother that she was scared by Liz’s performance. Amidst the ritual booing, hissing and call and response, that was what impressed. It had edge. Sassy and sexy, cold and calculating. She lapped up ad libs from the audience and threw
in a very contemporary Nigella Lawson quip for good measure. She was
brilliant. Her long suffering sidekick Gobrot was played memorably by
Mark Natrass in the style of a dim Baldrick, and appeared quite excited
by the prospect of a thrashing from Griselda: “I’ll see how the evening
goes” This is a tremendous show suitable for young
children and adults alike who all vociferously enjoyed themselves from
start to finish. The songs are performed with brio, energy and panache,
and yes there is an audience participation bit! A perfect appetiser for
the festive season, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs– go and see it!
To
14-12-13 Gary Longden |
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