Snow White And The Seven Dwarves – Harden Players

ONCE AGAIN Harden Players have come up with a modern twist on a traditional fairy tale for their annual pantomime.

Written and directed by Kathryn Sullivan, it has topical references to Twitter, The Apprentice, Keighley's very own Paul Hudson, Denholme, and the recent HSBC scandal.

There are excellent costumes and sets – I particularly liked the king's 'throne' with noisy flushing chain, the mirror on the wall with its 'commentary', and the twinkly mine backdrop which actually made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up!

The enthusiasm and enjoyment of both children and adult performers shone through in last week’s opening performances. Soloists and chorus sang confidently, accompanied by live musicians on keyboard, guitar and drums.

There were particularly outstanding performances from Carys Jones as Queen Maladora, Charlotte Stern as Fairy Tweet, and Anthony Shenton as Dame Trot.

Mark Coultard as Cap'n ensured audience participation, brilliantly supported by the rest of the cast.

I was pleased to observe that Equal Opportunities prevail with the inclusion of two female dwarves, and it was good to see the set construction and stage crew popping up in the finale.

* Harden Congregational Church, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, and Saturday at 2pm. Tickets from Harden Newsagents/Post Office.

Barbara Walker