The Snow Queen

Published Thursday 21 December 2006 at 12:35 by Julie Watterston

It is very difficult to warm to the character of the Snow Queen and, on this occasion, this is indeed a compliment.

Karen Fisher-Pollard’s Snow Queen is a frosty and hostile ice maiden, a strong and evil dominant against whom Gerda and Freya must pit their wits to rescue their spellbound brothers.

Compounding the Watermill’s experience of working with actor-musicians and exploring the use of music in its shows, Andy Brereton’s direction works powerfully with the original music of Janie Armour in this unique and inspiring production.

The talented cast of six combine their musical prowess with a broad range of movement and acting skills, including Angela Bain as the cosy Granny and possessed Robber Queen, Michelle Long in an animated performance as Gerda, and Sarah Stanley as the sparkling Freya. Morgan Philpott is the gentle Kai and Justin McCarron excels in a variety of dynamic cameos.

Vast shards of ice, designed by Diego Pitarch, create a backdrop that opens up on two levels to represent the Snow Queen’s palace and the cave of the trolls and the peasant costumes create a Scandinavian cosiness which provide a comforting warmth in the icy wastes of a snow-covered landscape.