Snow White
13th - 16th & 20th - 23rd February
Written and Directed by Sue Hickson
It was a dark and stormy night outside, but all was sunny and bright in the land of Satsuma. We were in the company of the Pateley Players for Snow White, a traditional pantomime, full of fruit, fun and daftness. Just what is needed in the dark days of winter.
Bobby Banana, played by Bertie Graham-Bell, was outstanding: confident and commanding the space.
Connie Richards as Pear never stopped smiling. She is one ball of acting energy. Joyce Liggins gave her role as Apple her usual expertise.
Sophia Grey made a splendid principal boy playing the Prince with authentic gusto.
Eve Greenwood was a delightful Snow White. Her solos were beautifully delivered with great charm.
Phoebe Bryant, Phoebe Kendall, Millie Reilly and Libby-Mae Eddy tackled their songs, jokes and varied roles with increasing confidence and enjoyment.
The six, or is it seven, dwarfs, turned the idea of size upside down. A clever device by producer and writer Sue Hickson. They were central to the pantomime. Played by Steve Colbourne, Justin Enthoven, Iain Johnson, Ian Lee, Kevin Murgatroyd, Tim Wilkinson and Brad Pollard. They were very entertaining.
Debbie Forsyth as Chip the Chipmunk played a large part in many scenes though largely silent - great make up.
Wicked stepmother played by Ruth Dodsworth delighted in her badness, encouraging boos and hisses from an enthusiastic audience.
Darryl Hall clearly relished his role as Baron.
Jo Jefferson waved her Good Fairy wand whilst looking her glamorous best.
Peter Buller, cast as the Dame, brought his easy, engaging manner to the role.
Keith Burton as 'Mirror, Mirror On The Stand', drew the eye every time. He created a rounded character with the mirror's wiles and contrivances.
Great costumes.
Good use of scenery and sound.
A production at the high standard expected from the Pateley Players. The Dramatic Society is generous in giving so many youngsters an opportunity to act, sing, dance and work with others. All great experience for their futures.
Congratulations to producer and writer Sue Hickson and to all who took part or who helped backstage.
A comment from a member of the audience at the end: 'That was fantastic'. And so say all of us.
Review by Ros Wade
Photographs by Chris Iredale
Finally, special thanks must go to a member of the Society who stepped in as the Dame at the last minute for the dress rehearsal (complete with an audience of Brownies) when flooding prevented Peter from playing his role. So, in full costume and reading from the script, Tom Barber stepped into the breach! Thank you Tom.
