Cannington's The Snow Queen

Cannington Pantomime Society presented The Snow Queen

As our Magical Mr Moderator had booked a disappearing act in sunny Blackpool, I stepped in to be his understudy and travel out to see Cannington Pantomime Society present their version of The Snow Queen on Saturday 21^st February.

Knowing how much team effort is put into Cannington productions I was looking forward to seeing what was on offer on this, their special celebratory 25^th year. As always, the attention to detail shown in previous productions was evident, even before entering the Village Hall, there were yarn bombed bollards outside, displaying skilfully crafted characters. Once inside the hall, cheerful show appropriate decorations gave an indication of the forthcoming visit to ‘The Village of IKEA’ and its chilly tale.

The Script, written by Tina and Robert Birbidge for LazyBee was a busy one, with 12 Principal roles, plus a chorus, all needing to present a convoluted storyline on the compact stage. Although containing some references that were a little dated, there was evidence of some newer additions to make it more relevant for the younger members of the audience. Use of the available spaces in the hall for entrances and exits was a clever way to keep everything moving along at a steady pace.

Once we were underway the previously mentioned attention to detail was continued with a truly magnificent array of costumes, detailed make-up, wigs, and hairstyling. Add to this the beautifully crafted props and sets it was a visual feast. Particularly striking was the malevolent, pale Snow Queen herself, complete with a contact lens enhanced icy stare. A Norwegian Wood set so realistic that I was expecting to see a snowy owl through the trees at any moment and a very effective UV scene with Ice Guards patrolling the aisle and stage. All this added together showed a highly professional visual standard. Well done to the costume, make up, props, set design and artwork team.

Characters, of which there were many to encounter, all worked well to piece together the tale. Comedy came from the hard-working duo of Jack Frost and Snowbell. Handy Andy and the very gently played, Dame Granny Rose were a good pairing, and the delightful Summer Queen gave some lovely warmth to counter the very well portrayed cold-hearted Snow Queen. Comedy from both the baking scene and a pie in the face moment could have been presented with a little more precision of timing and extra mess added, just to squeeze those extra laughs out from the audience to reward the effort given by those characters onstage.

The chorus of the younger members of the group showed confidence in their roles and everyone worked very hard with good diction and smiling faces where needed. The “Oh, No’s” and “Oh, Yes’s” were there in abundance. Add to this the lovely singing and dancing and everything in the mix helped to keep the audience warm and entertained against the chilly storyline. Sara Jones’ experienced directing hand and a slick stage crew and technical team helped to deliver a nicely balanced enjoyable show.

Thank you for your hospitality and I noticed that the Cannington attention to detail had spilled over into the raffle, with each prize wrapped and tied with a bow. Great stuff! Congratulations on your 25^th year and the promise of many more future delightful Cannington Village productions.

Jane Burt

Moderator.