DURING the lull that follows the excitement of Christmas there's always a need for something to raise the spirits and that was certainly what the 175 visitors got who attended each of the four performances of Snow White and the Seven Friends at Cross Ash Village Hall.
The pantomime, produced by Len Lane, had a local cast of 35, all who live within a five mile radius of Cross Ash and ranged in age from four years upwards. Each member offered their own talents to their part, involving the audience throughout the performances.
Ben Williams as a poetic but slightly untraditional Fairy Thistledown guided the audience through the panto, with lots of laughs initiated by a truly gorgeous Dame Goodheart, played by Simon Tyler, the zany Court Jester; Chuckles, played by David Nicholas and a Bumbling Lord Chamberlain, played by Hall Chairman Alan Llewellyn.
A brilliant performance was given by Sheryl Westoby as the wicked Queen Maligna, encouraging enough boos and hisses to send the audiences home with sore throats.
Emma Lane played an enchanting picture book Snow White who, of course, got her man in the shape of Prince Michael, played with elegance by Mandy Phillips.
These main characters were lucky to have their performances enhanced by such a consistent and well rehearsed supporting cast, all of which offered their own piece of magic.
When the seven friends appeared in the second act the audiences were captured by their instant appeal, smiling faces and charming singing.
The overall effect was colourful and exciting, with the scenery and costumes adding to an extremely professional production, something that Mr Lane, his cast and crew should be very proud of.