Snow White Review (January 2025)
On a blustery late January afternoon in torrential rain, we were swept into the joyful world of a glittering children's Pantomime, performed at ‘The Players Theatre’ in Thame.
The fifty-strong cast of Watlington's children, ranging from four to fourteen years, are all students of Alexis Cheesman's dance and drama classes, Catkids.
It began in 2017 with fifteen children, putting on shows in Watlington and now they have made the thrilling move to perform at a real theatre in Thame. Alexis also runs classes in Thame, but this is the first time the Watlington group have performed to large audiences in a theatre. The children have all risen to the challenge, giving of their very best with confidence and enthusiasm.
The pantomime was written by Lexi's father, Mike Hurst, who is a professional musician of some standing. His scripts always have wide appeal, being witty and topical and well-tailored for child performers. 'Snow White' had a cheeky fairy called 'Well-Fairy' (Welfare) and the infant chorus of eleven were called ‘The National Elf Service’ (National Health!). They delivered their jokes with aplomb as well as dancing and singing to some lovely numbers, such as ' Would You Like to Swing on a Star' and one of their favourites, ‘When my sugar walks down the street’.
This chorus of the youngest were all talented, but for me, the star was seven-year-old Theo Williams, who sang a heart-rending solo, called 'All by my Elf ' (you may recall the original ‘All by myself’ sung by Celine Dion!) - Such confidence and talent in one so young!
The chorus of older children, 'The Townies and Trainee Fools', also sang and danced some fun and well-rehearsed routines, 'Another Opening, Another Show' and ‘Make ’em laugh’ amongst others. The cast were all good, but Bad Bert deserves a special mention. Elena Guy had a real feeling for comedy and her scene with Snow White in the forest was witty and engaging. Snow White (charmingly played by Heather Smith) reminded me of the Disney heroine and she had excellent voice production and gestures. She acted well with the seven dwarves who were very expressive in their various roles.
Megan Naber as the Austrian nanny, Dame Brunhilda, straight out of 'The Sound of Music', clearly revelled in her comic lines which were much applauded by the audience. Derek the Minstrel (Violet Pollard) performed as narrator and delivered her lines in a tongue-in -cheek dry humour which belied her years.
The stage manager, Nathan Cheesman, assisted by William Naber, Matilda Clutterbuck and Indy Sercombe- Schwartz (former pupils of Alexis' classes) ensured the pantomime ran smoothly and efficiently. The sets, representing the castle, forest, the mine, and the dwarves' cottage were enhanced by Freddie Penrose's lighting effects and the sound by Matt Smith. Altogether, this show was the result of excellent team work, showing the training the children had received in commitment, resilience, perseverance, and respect, alongside their education in the performing arts. Alexis Cheesman and her team are to be warmly congratulated.
Carol Horton
