THIS year’s Crickhowell pantomime promises to be a truly unique event with a hat-trick of firsts both on and off the stage at the Clarence Hall next week.
For the first time the Crickhowell and District Players will be performing a script – Snow White and the Dwarves – written by veteran cast member Judith Pingle. The show will be directed by another old timer Kathy Jones who completed the triple treat by casting young local talent in main parts.
“I wanted to give youngsters the chance to show what they could do and bring a different dimension to the pantomime,” said Kathy who’s been treading the boards since the age of 12.
“We are so lucky in Crickhowell to have a solid troupe of performers and the support on stage has been amazing. We have a fabulous story with some weird and wonderful characters that have grown out of Judith’s carefully crafted script. It will make you laugh for sure but it won’t be like any Snow White you’ve seen before – so be prepared!”
There will be bats, vampires, kings and queens, not to mention young love and some totally inappropriate dwarves! Madame Booboo will be up to some shenanigans with a right Herbert and the most reluctant fairy ever will be making an appearance. Forest animals and a really cool bear will delight along with local dancing groups. Oh, and watch out for a mirror with an attitude problem!
Scriptwriter Judith appeared on stage for about 15 years and wrote the pantomime because she was at a loose end while recovering from an operation.
“The only creative writing I’d done before was in school and that was a very long time ago,” joked Judith. “My husband persuaded me to put it forward for this year’s production and it’s been both nerve wracking and exciting watching it develop.”
The cast have been fortunate once again to work with musical director Di Winter whose expertise and encouragement allows members to deliver memorable songs and solos.
Tickets for Snow White and the Dwarves are available at £5 each from The Crick Centre, Webbs, Bookish and Jehu’s in Crickhowell. Performances are from Thursday, January 25 to Saturday, January 27 at 7pm. There will also be a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm.