There should always be room for a traditional panto

THERE’S something inherently liberating about being able to boo and hiss someone and not feel in the least bit embarrassed about it, writes Tony Parratt.

Yes, it’s panto time again and where better to see it than in the surroundings of a welcoming church hall ,packed with relatives and friends, familiar with all the heart-warming traditions of the genre.

Trinity Players production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs had virtually every generation of actor in it, which really did give it a lovely warm, family feel.

But with some great set designs, stunning costumes and inspired musicianship from David Frost, there was nothing remotely amateurish about this Andy Johnson production.

Principal boo target as evil Queen Elvira was Linda Smith, who certainly earned all the wrath of the audience as she plotted to kill Snow White (Jasmine Merry) and win the hand of Prince Caspian (Kayleigh Brown).

But she was continually thwarted in her plans by a trio of hapless, but kindhearted souls, played by Sefton Winslade as Nurse Nellie, Matthew Smith as Muddles and Travis Merry as Igor.

These three had the crowd in hysterics and Sefton’s over the top portrayal as the blousy nurse was hilarious, especially when he singled out one rather unfortunate male member of the audience, who was the target of his saucy entreaties.

Matthew and Travis showed a lot of promise as the two youngsters whose speciality was in the slapstick variety, especially one clever decorating scene where wallpaper and paste were plastered in every direction, except the right one.

Jasmine Merry, taking the title role, proved a fine actress, with a lovely singing voice, who combined perfectly with Kayleigh (Prince Caspian) in their duets.

Maureen Quittenton was all sparkle and magic as Fairy Snowdrop, who took us all into a world of fantasy, and to the home of the Seven Dwarfs, who helped to save Snow White. And society stalwart John Simpson was a magis- terial Lord Chancellor.

The ‘magnificent seven’ were the perfect troupe, providing fun, laughter and sympathy, while also displaying nifty footwork as they burst into song with their trademark Hi Ho as they set off to work.

And credit must also be paid to the many young dancers and singers, who worked their little socks off and provided backing as villagers, ghosts and woodland animals Snow White and her gang, met on their adventures.

Say what you like, there is always room for a traditional panto, especially one where at the end, most of the cast walk off the stage, to be backslapped by their families and friends, for a great show.