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The deckchairs are no longer lining the shores of our beaches, the sun-loungers have gone into hibernation. The harvest is in, ‘Trick or Treat?’ is over and carnival processions have recently passed. Enter the darkness of winter which isn’t the season of misery, merely the annual cue for the bright lights of panto.
As the hourly headlines often signal depressing news, the world of pantomime brings people together, uplifts spirits and, with the tonic of laughter, dispels anxiety. I believe it is, in fact, the best medicine for our time.
So with my overcoat on and reporters notepad clenched in hand I am off to my first pantomime of the season, heading towards Nether Stowey where Quantock Players are presenting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
We stood for the National Anthem and with a relatively small cast and audience the show started promptly at 7.30pm.
The script provided by Lazy Bees Scripts contained all the necessary ingredients of a traditional pantomime.
Smiling is crucial because it cheers up the audience so readily. It can be hard to smile and concentrate at the same time, especially on an opening night so it was a joy to witness most of the younger ones beaming on the opening number I want to be happy.
I thought sets were of a good design and added appeal to this production. I was especially drawn to the simplicity yet imaginativeness of the Diamond Mine. All lighting was used creatively and most effective and scene changes were swift and extremely silent. Well done black gang!
In general the show moved along at a steady pace but on several occasions lacked pace and energy. More audience rapport – especially from Muddles (Rob Lyness) – would have added appeal to this pantomime. The show also lost momentum with forgotten lines. It can only be hoped that those deadly silences are erased as the run progresses.
I enjoyed some subtle comedy moments, especially the sausages routine and the airbed – very funny!
Adequate acting was provided by most principals. Less hurried and louder diction was certainly required from Snow White (Thea Rogers) while Mirriam, the magic mirror (Vicky Avery) needed a more powerful and mystical voice to portray her character well. On occasions it sounded as if you were merely reading the script.
Always pick a song that you are happy and comfortable with. It would have been a pleasure to have heard Prince Valiant (Hannah Ebsary) and Snow White sing You’re the one that I want. Miming such a well know number took the edge off a little. Evilynn, the wicked Queen (Sharon Corbett) certainly needed a backing track for her number I like to be evil.
Costumes were worn well although Muddles (Rob Lyness) needed louder attire to portray his role and looked rather dour in short sleeve shirt, shorts and brown trainers.
I enjoyed Clarissa’s (Mike Onions) opening attire. What a shame you had to wear it during the whole performance and for the walk-down as well!
It was clear the local brownies were having a whale of a time and enjoyed this pantomime from beginning to end.
I hope my little pointers have helped. The Quantock Players have certainly put on a production to delight their village audiences.
Thank you for inviting me once again into your community and making me feel so welcome.
Nigel Ford. Moderator SFD