Reviewed by Barbara for Encore Reviews

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs The Somborne Players, Kings Somborne Village Hall "Absolutely Hilarious".

The Somborne Players celebrate their 30th anniversary with the production of Snow White, first performed by them in 1988 when the Society was founded by Audrey Gannaway and their current run is dedicated to her.

From the moment the curtains opened until they finally closed at the end of the performance, there was non-stop laughter from the audience and that, together with all the usual banter between the cast and audience, guaranteed a hugely successful first night. Each and every single member of the cast performed their parts with fun, gusto and general OTT amdram; Snow White (Carla Horsfield – who really did look like Snow White), Peter Grace (Senna Podd, Dame); Vanessa McClenaghan (Queen Drucilla) played a super role as always, Charlotte Crispin (Rose) Rebecca Rickard (hugely funny as the Magic Mirror), Sarah Seymour (Prince Valentine), Ray Whittingham (King Desmond), Caroline Crump (Hannah), Fairy Light (Jane Whittingham), Barry Trotter the Magician (Rory McClenaghan), Hans (David Haydon), and the seven dwarfs who were known as little men – Prof (Audrey Thomas), Dipsy (David Crump), Dozy (Ruth Eckett), Beaky (Rory McClenaghan), Merry (Sian Johnston), Titch (Ellie Monger) and Bigmouth (Lesley Everard-Evans) – all seasoned actors who only had to walk onto the stage to make us laugh. And a very special mention to Sam Judges, who played Muddles – a panto favourite at Kings Somborne with his exceptional stage presence.

And of course, Dobbin was involved (although I don’t know who was in which end!). The panto was produced by Ellie Monger, Directed by David Eastham with Jonathan Crump as Asst Director. This is a Village with a big heart and the comradeship amongst all the cast was obvious throughout the performance.

Like many theatre groups their production was delayed because of Covid but it was wonderful to go to a real village panto at the end of April, where everyone pulled together, even with the ad libs – which always get the most laughs funnily enough! Sadly there are only three performances, Friday 29 April and Saturday 30 April (matinee and evening performance) – but keep your eyes open for future productions, I guarantee you a great evening’s entertainment. Well done all, I will return!