This theatre's pantomimes have become something of a tradition in their own right and producer Kevin Wood makes good use of local performers. Marlowe favourite Dave Lee has created quite a following and plays for laughs as Herman the Henchman alongside Shaun Williamson. The two work well together and while Williamson does play on his EastEnders connection, he also shows other performance skills. 

Laura Brown makes a confident and well-cast Snow White, with George Wood as her Prince Lorenzo and the two young performers are vocally well suited. 

Toyah Willcox plays a vampish Wicked Stepmother with defiance and an energetic stage presence assisted by Helga Wood's stunning costumes. Willcox performs well alongside the ensemble dancers, who effectively characterise the villagers and ghouls. Director Paul Hendy provides the dwarfs with plenty of performance opportunities and Keijo Salmela makes some great cameo moments. 

The scenes sometimes seem too short for the action to build and some of the humour is lost with the swiftness in moving to the next scene. 

However, this is a well-cast production, making good use of local talent and developing young performers. The more well-known performers gel neatly with the cast and create an uplifting sense of camaraderie. 

By Lisa Whitbread

The Stage
January 2004