If you are expecting the Hand Christian Anderson fairy tale of The Snow Queen, then think again writes Paul Smalley
This is a totally different story for the present day and the world’s concerns with global warming, seen through the eyes of Lumi played energetically and enthusiastically by Amy Tara.
Lumi is concerned by the lack of snowfall, well it hasn’t snowed for years – Why?
Continually questioning her mother, Lumi eventually decides to write to the The Snow Queen aka Madge.
Now the journey begins and after numerous letters to The Snow Queen not being replied to Lumi decides she must go and visit and speak directly with The Snow Queen.
The adventure begins and Lumi sets off to reach the Top of the World or the North Pole, whichever takes your fancy.
Along the way she encounters Horton (a hoarding tortoise), Flash (a gadget, electronic obsessed polar bear) and OOPS (an overworked and mistreated Elf), all three characters played by Molly-Grace Cutler very engagingly, utilising a variety of accents.
Finally Lumi meets The Snow Queen aka Madge played in traditional panto dame style by Richard Priestley using his skills throughout finding a skillful balance between camp drag performer, to a character that can relate to the children through an cartoonish personality whilst singing and playing a variety of instruments.
During her chat with the Snow Queen, Lumi wonders if it’s all been worthwhile and returns home with happy thoughts of an exciting adventure but did it fo any good?
The performance is an alternative Christmas pantomime experience and although it’s still got the laughs that only the adults appreciate, it’s still got the dancing, singing and music that children love, although some of the substance of the message may go over the heads of the younger audience.
An enjoyable evening and with a running time of around one hour, just long enough to captivate those present of all ages.
The show runs from the 2nd December to the 30th December.
One final thought though “Did it Snow”
