In Bob Heather and Cheryl Barratt's take on this most traditional of pantomimes the magic mirror that declares the Queen to be "The fairest of them all", is broken so Snow White's friend, Bertie, has to pretend to be the spirit of the mirror by standing behind a replacement obtained from Oxfam, It becomes increasingly difficult for Bertie to deliver the answer expected of him especially as Snow White, with her jet black hair, becomes more beautiful every day. Eventually he is no longer able to keep up the pretence; not even his pet panda, Peter, can save him. There is "panda-monium" as Bertie fails to "panda" to the queen's wishes, etc. Knockabouts Botchit and Leggit are handymen (they live just around the corner) and their arrival brings the opportunity for double entendres by the bucketful mostly designed to appeal to older members of the audience, but the duo are still funny for the kids. However, order is restored with the arrival of Old Ma Bumble who, for me, has the best and the most original lines in the show. Before very long, we are in the dwarfs' cottage, the occupants of which all have names that suit their personalities even if these names are not the ones with which we are familiar. There is plenty of opportunity for audience participation with the "behind you"s and "Oh yes it is, oh no it isn't's all present and correct. The main slapstick comes from Botchit and Leggit's attempts at DIY, but the most satisfying scene has to be where there is a bit of synchronised mirror image acting. There are twenty songs referred to in the script but, although there are a few suggestions about what might be suitable, only one, Gilbert and Sullivan's "Tit Willow", is specified. The script is littered with chances to mention local celebrities or place names and, is everything an audience would expect in a family panto.
David Muncaster - Amateur Stage.