Members Area
Minehead Panto People
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
My journey now takes me to the Regal Theatre, Minehead, a venue I have not visited for around 12 years. It is here that the Minehead Panto People are performing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
It was clearly evident by the contents of the professional programme that this is a large and loyal society with a great many performers and production team.
The story unfolded in true pantomime tradition although I have never witnessed a trainee Fairy wearing L plates before!
We all fell in love with Snow White (played by Leah Doolan) who graced the stage sweetly and had a fine singing voice. Queen Caligula received all the boos she expected to hear on her first entrance and Dolly Dumpling brightened up the performance in her ‘sparkling numbers’
The show lifted up a level when the seven Dwarfs appeared. This illusion was cleverly thought through as you could have almost believed that they were ‘little people’
If you go down to the woods today you will witness lovely woodland characters played by the younger members of the society, portable bushes to hide behind and a Teddy Bear riding his scooter! This certainly added visual humour to the scene.
At times entrances and exits were on the slow side and there were occasional sound issues. I would have liked to have witnessed more slapstick and comedy in places, especially with the mirror routine considering the show revolved around this.
With more than 30 children on stage for the audience participation song it was clearly evident that the Minehead Panto People would include everyone who put their hands up!
With a lovely walk-down this society must raise a glass of ‘Bucks Fizz’ knowing that the audiences of North Somerset certainly enjoyed their pantomime experience.
Thank you for inviting me and for the hospitality.
Nigel Ford
(Moderator)