Snow White

Published Wednesday 12 December 2007 at 11:50 by James Green

Unannounced contributions by two national favourites were a major surprise in this pantomime. Brian Conley as the voice of a raven helping to tell the story, and Paul O’Grady recorded in vision as the Genie of the Mirror, were regularly in action.

And thanks to razor-sharp technology, their dual roles worked superbly. I’m told that O’Grady wasn’t paid but asked for a collection to be taken for a named charity.

As for the ‘live’ performers, Wendi Peters, the ex-wicked witch of Coronation Street’s Wetherfield, was totally in command as the Wicked Queen. We knew from the TV soap song contest that she could sing.

Here she belts out a number big mama-style, while shaking and shimmying, and when trying to have her evil way with Snow White, is dominant and flawless.

I’ve seen a lot of wicked women over the panto years and Miss Peters is as good as they come. It should also be said that she looks good - almost worthy of being named “prettiest of them all”.

That title goes, as always, to Snow White. Here played with conviction by Polly Parsons. She deserved better than the Prince of Simon Thomas, but the romantic pair sang well, even if it wasn’t much of a match.

On the subject of music, there wasn’t a single one of the renowned Disney numbers, although there was - and had to be - a suitably amended suggestion of the Hi Ho classic.

Which brings in seven most welcome dwarfs. If you’re going to present Snow White then do it with real people and not cut outs. The seven on stage at Dartford were vital to the fun, even if legalities meant they could not be named Dopey, etc.

The comedy, and his seventh year at raising seasonal laughs, was entrusted to Kev Orkian. He fired the usual lines as Muddles and was rewarded with the friendship and eager participation of the kids. He was also deservedly lucky with the four chosen to join him on stage, all naturals.

Violinist Fiona Brice fiddled and looked good throughout, and the senior and junior dance groups played their part.

The joke that lingers came when Orkian did his “welcome to these groups” routine. “We’ve got the Over and Under Club tonight. Only two of them are here.”