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To this
day, the origins of the fairytale Snow White remain a mystery. What is
known is that it was one of the many folk tales collected over a hundred
and eighty years ago by the Brothers Grimm. As with so many other
pantomime stories, the values of this tale are held and shared by most of
us near mortals, good will triumph over evil, the weak will overcome the
mighty etc. Its popularity is without question, not least as a result of
the Academy Award winning animation of Walt Disney. From an actors point
of view, the role of Red Queen has to be unrivalled as the epitome of
female "baddies". It is a role Vicki loves, allowing her to
exploit every aspect of her feminine wiles and treachery to the utmost and
as you might expect, relishing every "boo" and "hiss"
hurled back at her across the footlights from the bright-eyed,
enthusiastic children of all ages in the audience.
Playhouse Theatre -
Weston-Super-Mare 2009/10
A truly magical
experience awaited the sell out audiences as they arrived at The Playhouse
Theatre in Weston-Super-Mare where Vicki was casting her evil spells as
the Wicked Red Queen, Grizelda over Christmas 2009.
From the moment a mighty
crash of thunder announced her arrival, Vicki’s commanding stage presence
heralded a performance of scathing menace. Lines were delivered with a
razor cutting edge as she systematically dismissed her servants for their
incompetence and terrorised her subjects with equal wonderful relish and a
stylish crack from her cat ‘o’ nine tails! Not even her trusty magic
mirror escaped her wrath being smashed into a million pieces in a fit of
rage. It was later to be replaced with a new looking glass containing the
virtual image of a dithering spirit ably portrayed by Paul Daniels. Even
he ultimately opted to self destruct rather continue to serve his
relentlessly vein mistress and nagging virtual wife in the guise of Debbie
McGee! Michelle’s clever changes of voice from Regal tones to cackling
hag, did much to encourage a barrage of screams and boos from the excited
children in the auditorium. But the biggest response from the audience
came with her conversion from evil to good, transforming into her iconic
character of Yvette from Allo Allo, complete with trademark growl “Oooooh
Rene” initiating a huge cheer and round of applause. A particular
highlight of the performance came with her only solo musical contribution
Poker Face, performed with such. At no time did she allow even a hint of a
smile to cross her lips despite being bombarded with wolf whistles
throughout. The accompanying complex choreography was executed with high
precision and agility culminating in a shoulder high lift.
Aiding and abetting Queen
Grizelda in her heiness quests was Herman the Henchman portrayed with
great athleticism and dexterity by Kevin Bohan, proving himself to be an
ideal accomplice and working hard to great effect.
Seldom has Muddles been
played with more energy, enthusiasm or expert comedy timing than that of
the portrayal of Peter Duncan. He was most notably at his best causing
mischief by the magic wishing well, (one he had built earlier with the
help of some cardboard tubes and sticky backed plastic) and creating
mayhem during the slapstick band practise routine where he proved the
perfect foil for Dame Dolly Dumpling and Herman. This scene was a welcome
change from the more usual palace kitchen version of water and foam chaos.
Dame Dolly was the
creation of seasoned pantomime performer Nick Wilton. Traditional in every
sense, he gave a performance that reminded us of exactly how a panto Dame
should be played, appearing in a new ‘haute couture’ designer ensemble on
every entrance.
Felicity Wright provided
us with A Snow White of grace, naivety and charm ideally matched by the
dashing Prince Rupert of Jody Crosier while Forest Fairy Sarah Luscombe
showed just why she has performed as a soloist with the European Ballet
Company, rock steady in all her sequences. Completing the cast were
youngsters from the Tina Counsell School of Dance and Drama as the Dwarfs
and Village Folk, all performing with optimum gusto and zing primarily
under the musical direction of Colin Billing.
Slick and polished, this
production had it all, a perfect balance of tried, trusted and topical
with dazzling costumes, familiar pop songs and spectacular sets.
Particularly memorable were the Act 1 Finale with revolving waterwheel,
cascading glitter and gentle snowfall amid a woodland setting shrouded in
glittering silver and white and Queen Grizelda’s transformation scene
quite literally ablaze with fire juggling and flickering flame effects.
Indeed atmospheric use of lights and music did much to enhance the mood
throughout.
Experienced writing from
Keith Simmons and Andrew Lynford under the expert direction of David
Samuel contributed greatly to the success of this show but its real
strength lay in the casting and the obvious on stage chemistry of the
performers.
A special mention should
also be made of theatre manager Barry North and his team of volunteer
helpers whose enthusiastic welcome and organization provided the perfect
festive atmosphere front of house.
New Theatre - Hull 2008/09
The 2008/09 Qdos production
of Snow White saw Vicki make a welcome return to the role of Wicked Queen
and after six years of pantos, to Hull’s New Theatre having last starred
in pantomime there in Peter Pan. Topping the bill with the evergreen
Grumbleweeds, this was a Snow White with a heavy emphasis on comedy. Even
Queen Lucretia herself, resplendent in Royal robes had her moments
particularly when interacting with her mouthy magic mirror played by the
incomparable Paul O’Grady and when reciting the devilishly difficult
tongue twister explaining the contents of the poisoned chalice, which she
delivered flawlessly with perfect diction no les than twice in quick
succession. This idea was borrowed from the original Danny Kaye version or
for those not familiar with it, the concept was also used more recently in
an episode of Allo Allo entitled the Gateaux from The Chateaux.
All that said, Vicki had no
problems providing the perfect balance between her sadistically evil and
more amusing alter egos. The Grumbleweeds were a hilarious Muddles and
Lord Chamberlain while incorporating numerous impressions in their own
inimitable style. Polly Parsons and James Mackenzie made an enchanting
couple while the Magnificent Seven dwarfs led by Big Mick won the hearts
of everyone in the theatre. Also worthy of mention were the brilliantly
crafted lyrical strains of musical director Andy Pickering’s arrangements,
particularly those for the Wicked Queen. Both songs were arranged
perfectly for Vicki allowing how to exploit her raunchy vocal style to its
fullest.
Lavish sets and spectacular
costumes added greatly to the overall magical effect of this truly family
show especially during the Queen’s transformation scene and her
intimidating chariot entrances.
Broadway Theatre - Lewisham
2001/02
2001/02 saw Vicki at the
Broadway Theatre, Lewisham. Here she topped the bill with children’s
presenter Mark Speight playing a whacky and zany Muddles. Popular
ventriloquist Ward Allen with his faithful dog Roger joined forces as the
Lord Chamberlain while Collette Bibby, Paul Manuel, Graham Richards and
Nigel Garton completed the cast.
Alban Arena - St. Albans
2000/01
For the 2000/01 Qdos
production of Snow White and the seven Dwarfs, Vicki found herself topping
the bill and teamed with Rhodri Williams as the Prince and the hilarious
impressionist Fogwell Flax as Muddles. I one of her finest portrayals as
the Wicked Red Queen we were treated to some dynamic vocal renditions of
I’ll Put a Spell on You and Sex Bomb. Radio personality John Gaunt battled
to no avail as henchman Odd job against his villainess mistress.
Alexandra Theatre -
Birmingham 1988/89
The 1988/89 Qdos production
at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham was a particularly memorable
experience for Vicki who starred as Red Queen opposite Rod Hull and Emu
and Hill’s Angel Louise English as Snow White.
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