Snow White, Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society, Ledbury Market Theatre (From Malvern Gazette)

Snow White, Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society, Ledbury Market Theatre

12:59pm Tuesday 25th January 2011 in Reviews

‘Hi ho, hi ho’ it’s off to the panto we go, and what a lovely time we had too!

LADS production of Snow White, directed by Sue Millington-Jones and produced by Shirley Lewis, is currently playing at the Market Theatre, Ledbury, to packed houses. The formidable team of Director and Producer have once again produced a great show which has something for everyone, a beautiful yet menacing Queen Electra, played wonderfully by Nicola Bretherton, a humorously camp Dame- Nora Netterjack, played by Bob Maynard, in full regalia complete with matching bloomers! There is also a thigh slapping Prince Valiant, Suzi Anderson, a talking Spirit of the mirror, played by Faye Neal and of course the damsel in distress- Princess Snow White, played by Christie Neal, who conveyed a suitably wide-eyed innocence, and her extremely endearing seven ‘little’ friends in their lovely stripy socks!

Highlights included a rendition ‘This Ole house’ performed by the Seven Dwarfs and the scenes featuring the comedy baddies Ching and Chang, played hilariously by familiar faces Tim Sykes and Margaret Phillips, reminding some of the older audience members of Peter Ustinov movie capers! Neil Franklin as Sammy Natterjack, had a good rapport with the audience and the story teller Marie Harris gave a serene and poised quality to proceedings, and of course the wonderful ensemble numbers with a cast of over thirty talented children dancing and singing in the Chorus were fun for all to watch. We were treated to many musical numbers including, ‘With a little help from my friends’, ‘The Rhythm of Life ‘and ‘I’m a believer’, and the music was ably performed and arranged by Steve Glennie- Smith and complemented by great choreography by Suzi Anderson. The Set, designed and painted by a team led by Elaine Graham, added to the magical occasion. To finish the show there is even the famous community singing led by Arthur (David Stone), and Ching and Chang where children and embarrassed parents are invited on stage to ‘sing- along’! Brilliant! A special mention must be made of the vibrant costumes that the cast and chorus were wearing, designed and made by Debs Davies, as they added to the beautiful spectacle keeping the children in the audience spellbound. Well done LADS another great show!

The performance continues tonight and Saturday 28/29 Jan Lisa Greaves