LHMTC Press Archive

Spring Pantomime - 'Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs'

N.O.D.A. (East) Review
by Susan DuPont - Region 5 Representative

LAVENDER HILL MOB THEATRE COMPANY
SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Les Miles

MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Tim Rock

CHOREOGRAPHER/CO-PRODUCER
Jamie John

Script & Lyrics by Les Miles
Music and Orchestration by Tim Rock
 

Thank you very much for the invitation to see LHMTC with their Easter pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and what a great evening Su and I enjoyed with such a lively production.

I am always amazed at how much talent Les and Tim manage to assemble and enthuse into an energy-rich extravaganza.  A huge cast, all named, filling the stage with all that movement and singing and obvious enjoyment in what they are doing, and the team work within the groups of the story and the whole company must be a wonderful feeling of comradeship and support to all whether with experience or first time on stage. You all need full congratulations on what is achieved by so many.  Several people worked very hard to create the colourful costumes to treat the eyes. Some good movement led by Zoe Adams in addition to her role as Aster. The singing this year seemed even better, very strong notes and clear words really kept up energy levels for all.

A strong story line with a familiar theme much enjoyed in the audience: with the palace staff of Michael Miles leading as a dominant Major Domo, and all those lovely eight attendants matching the floral names with their style in singing and dance and each developing their own character, in support of a delightful Snow White from Sophia Dawson who looked so good and held the focus of the tale with her Prince Gabrielle Short of feisty character and style.

To the darker side of the story and John Wrigley as Queen Dragmar, and he revelled in the evil feel of the wicked queen and certainly brought together the opposition from audience and cast as we tried to stop his dastardly plans, a role for him to embellish in all the darker moments.

Emily Butler as Witch Hex was very strong in her spells and influence, assisted by Jordan Winn as Fat Daz, this was a good role to enjoy in the green light.  On the sunlit side, forester Berthold (Tom Bains) could not be swayed from the good influences into the dark, but stood firm and supportive of Snow White.

How kind of your patron Warwick Davies to allow the video and appear as the Mirror, certainly no other group can produce such a well-known personality and voice and notable appearance. And with his friend and protegy Jamie John as your new Ambassador taking a teaching and company role amongst the youngsters, all in good hands.

And the scene-stealing stars of the show: those delightful, charming, cheeky, and excellent team builders, the dwarfs led by the Fearless Ellie-Mae, all with their special characters and souls, all with such clear diction, and lively movement, this seven was very special and showed how talent can be brought to the fore, loved them.

Some new signers in this production, and Su enjoyed watching them. And of course the big finale with all signing is the moment that we all anticipate as regular audiences.

But as usual the overall feeling of happiness and energy and full cast enjoyment comes from watching and listening to the whole company in their participation as they move forward in confidence and achievement and supportive teamwork to prove that they can all do it well and deserve the applause at the end of the show. Well done to all involved in any tiny way.

Susan DuPont

N.O.D.A. (East) Review
by Stephen Hayter - Region 4 Representative

LAVENDER HILL MOB THEATRE COMPANY
SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Les Miles

MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Tim Rock

CHOREOGRAPHER/CO-PRODUCER
Jamie John

Script & Lyrics by Les Miles
Music and Orchestration by Tim Rock
 

As I say about this time each year, as Spring arrives, so does the pantomime season. At least it does in Heacham, and by default, King’s Lynn. Those delightful people at the Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company were at it again. Breezing into town in large numbers and putting on a show. This time out it was to be ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ and I could not have been more excited. I know I bang on ceaselessly about the worthy nature of this groups endeavours, but it really humbles me every time they invite me to a production. The 700 or so seats of the Corn Exchange auditorium were around one third occupied as I took my own seat behind the various recording devices in place to capture another very special amateur theatre moment.

I will not demean anyone (including myself) by re-telling the story of Snow White. Suffice to say pretty girl, dodgy mother, vertically challenged miners, poisoned apple handsome prince, happy ending!

The set (Andy Russell) was once again a simple but very effective affair. Focusing largely on some more excellent backcloths that lit up the enormous Corn Exchange stage and added height and depth to all that took place on it. Lighting (Jason Elms) was just the job and Sound (Tim Rock) was free from any whistles or bangs and some of the most effective stage amplification I have heard in this venue … or anywhere else. Everyone was perfectly audible, with the balance of backing music and vocals perfect in a way that you come to expect when Mr Rock is involved. Costumes (Michelle Smith, Luane Cott, Una Rock and Sue Winn) were plentiful as usual as well as being colourful and perfectly appropriate. Complimentary Make Up and Wigs could not be faulted with incidental props (Andy Russell) causing me no offence whatsoever.

The chorus in any LHMTC show are never less than delightful and as usual everyone involved was focused and ridiculously enthusiastic. Choreography was by regular dance captain Zoe Adams, who has a very well-developed sense of what her dancers can do… and do well. Never boring, and never too demanding!

In the supporting roles, I enjoyed (in no order) the contributions of Richard Winn, George Templeman, Sam Vincent. Luane Cott and Erin Russell and Andy Russell, with a special mention for Josh Gibbs and Josh Large as the handsome Prince’s ‘minders’, Peter and James. The ladies at court were well represented by Mathilda Peak as Tulip, Sarah Drain as Petunia, Alex Page as Lily, Lauren Morano as Daisy, Darcy Grant as Chrissy, Kacie Butler ass and Kerry Bensley as Rose with Zoe Adams doing everything right as the new girl Aster. Tom Bains always turns in a good performance and as the good-hearted woodsman Berthold he was once again at the very top of his game. He demonstrated with some style how torn he was between his duty to his family and his commitment to do the right thing with the young Princess.

I was more than a little impressed with the magnificent seven dwarves. Gormless, Useless, Tasteless. Cheerless, Prof, Happiness and Fearless were perfectly brought to life by Chantelle Simpson, Phoebe Smith, Conor Jones, Lily Edwards, Lana Jones, Sarah Newman and Ellie-Mae Smith. All the above being confident with their lines and dynamic with their moves. The same can be certainly be said of Jordan Winn as the Witch’s sidekick, Fat Daz. A smaller part than I am used to seeing him in but a great performance none the less. I was told after the show that I had seen Gabrielle Short before but had to admit I could not remember her. In this production Miss Short took the part of the Prince and completely oozed charisma in the role. Just the right mix of empathy and arrogance made this one of the best performances in the show.

In the more prominent parts It was good to see Michael Miles back on stage as ineffectual courtier, Sir Dandiprat Bombas. Mr Miles always brings with him a commanding stage presence and, as with Jordan Winn, it was a little less of a part than I am used to seeing him undertake… but when he was on stage … you knew it. In the title role, Sophia Dawson had an absolute mountain of dialogue to climb. She seemed to be on stage most of the time and I am pleased to report that she was as sure-footed up and down that mountain as any goat I have known! A lovely characterisation and the backbone of this production. Another jewel in the Lavender Hill Mob’s theatrical crown is the totally enchanting Emily Butler. This time as the misguided Witch Hex she was completely within her range. A brilliant singing voice and another superb performance to go with the many others in her resume.

Penultimate paragraph honours were never really in any doubt on this night with John Wrigley stealing the show with his evil dame, Queen Dragmar. A peerless performance from a very fine comedy actor. My take home comedy moment was when he seemingly drifted from the script to torment poor Vicky Reed trying to distract her from her BSL signing duties. A beautiful interaction with Miss Reed winning the duel and getting all the laughs. Although, after careful consideration I feel Mr Wrigley should share a little piece of his personal glory with the brilliant Warwick Davis. Mr Davis is a patron of this group and recorded a good few video insertions to appear (by projection) in the part of the Magic Mirror proving (as if proof were needed) that he is not just a personality, but a fine actor as well.

To be honest I could cut and paste in this last paragraph, simply lifting the text from any of the last 5 LHMTC productions, because my comments vary very little. Compliments of course to the remarkable Les Miles. For this show, for every show and for everyone that she takes so much time with in rehearsal, backstage and onstage. My hat is once again off and lying limp at the feet of Musical Director and genius of this Parish, Tim Rock, for another outstanding set of foot-tapping songs (this time with a distinct 60’s ‘Cliff and the Shadows’ feel running through them) all with perfectly appropriate and wonderfully constructed lyrics. The show looked good, made me feel good and I know it will have done all the performers good to step out at The Corn Exchange. They endured the punishing 5 shows in three days schedule, and, as I saw the production on performance 3, there was no sign at all that they were flagging. Impressive! I did wonder as I made my way home if perhaps ten minutes could have been trimmed off the running time. But I never looked at my watch or felt in the slightest bit restless so … maybe not. Bravo LHMTC! You made my day again. Until next time ….  

Stephen P. E. Hayter