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Snow White & the Seven Sins, Zenith Theatre Company, St Aldhelm’s Hall, Branksome

OKAY, so it’s March and the panto season should be long gone – but this unusual take on the well-known story was well worth waiting for, and to my mind was the best thing I have ever seen from Zenith.

Ann Whitaker’s brilliant script found our heroine (a lovely, confident performance from young Sophie Adnett) sold into a den of vice as an alternative to being dumped in the Thames, yet the wicked stepmother (Ann Whitaker in wonderfully malevolent form), her magic mirror and the poisoned apple remained an integral part of the story, as did Snow’s rescue by a handsome prince (Paul Davy).

John Kingswell and Len Murray camped it up in true panto style, and to tremendous effect, as the stepmother’s cohorts Tarquin and Quentin, with more than a little innuendo along the way. And the Seven Sins, alias the vice girls (Mechelle Summers, Anna Pearcy, Rosemary Witcher, Linda Eaton, Laura Hampshaw, Steve Ross & Susanna Ayala), portrayed their individual characters beautifully.

And with a great selection of well-sung songs, good choreography, a super set and wonderful costumes that made both stage and performers look a million dollars, all the ingredients were there for a really enjoyable show that worked a treat.

Linda Kirkman

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