Snow White and the Seven Show Offs

Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon 15/02/02
Peter Steptoe

I looked at the programme for this pantomime by the Cancer Centre Players and my heart sank as they numbered 99 including the accompanist (Leslie Kercher), drummer (Claire Kelly) and didn't include all the specialty acts. Who said the amateur theatre was fading away?

Everyone in the audience seemed to know the cast, which made for a great atmosphere and much merriment. Joyce Perkins and Debra Elsdon's panto took us on a world tour with a contest between snow White (Angela Huxley) and her Stepmother the wicked Queen (Joy Anderson) covering various aspects of the arts. They used a different person for the Queen in each country but we could boo her because of the colour of her hair, which she couldn't disguise.

The dialogue was amusing and Robin Kennedy as the Town Crier and later as the cosmic spin doctor expressed his talent admirably with the song It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it.

The Mirror was cleverly done and Michael Tubbs was an in'genie'ous operator.

The King (Rev John Greig) looked owlishly like Mr Pickwick and just as cuddly while his four stepdaughters 'the Strife Girls', seemed appropriately named.

The ministers were called The Bungles and named John, Paul, George and Bingo, which described their activities to a nicety.

The opening specialty Red Hot Leila, dancer Yvonne Dubi was belly good and the animals from Scouse-Mouse to Feisty-Fox were all pattable, including Paddington Bear (Mark Stenning).

I liked the frenetic Can Can performed by some of the ladies of the cast and the Weather Fairies gave a new dimension to snow, ice, sunshine and showers.

In Moscow the Cossack Dancers had the bravura that was needed for such athleticism and we cheered mightily. Scotland had a splendidly accoutred piper in Bob Ash.

In Ireland we had the Lynch School of Irish Dancing with its tremendous discipline and intricate footwork.

I have always had a soft spot for Maori songs and the London Maori Club did not disappoint with their soft lilt from the antipodes.

Lastly the Jordan Family Gospel Singers must have converted the staunchest agnostic with the irresistible rhythmic beat and fervour of their music.

Pantos should not last more than two hours and this ran for three with the audience lusting for more. Who cares what critics say anyway, when all these very brave people were having so much fun.

The Advertiser, Friday 22nd February 2002

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