Modern twists to old tale

The Busselton Repertory Club will be presenting their annual pantomime in early January with a modern version of Snow White.

Directed by Janet Dickinson, with musical direction by Marj Evans, the production will feature a cast of more than 30 actors ranging in age from nine years old to 70.

Evans, who is the BRC president, said following the success of using children in last year’s pantomime, the club decided to choose a performance to get children involved again.

“While the actors mostly consist of young adults, we have a few children who will be playing the seven dwarves”, Evans said.

Written by former local author Rod White, Dickinson said the performance would follow the traditional story of Snow White, but had a few modern twists.

“In Rod’s version, Snow White dies from eating a poison pizza instead of an apple as the King, her father, owns a pizza company,” she said.

“We have also tried to modernise as much of the music as possible.”

Dickinson said the performance would be in the style of the traditional pantomime, with lots of singing and dancing and a dame, two comedians and the principal boy being played by a female actor.

Evans said the audience could expect a colourful performance, with lots of costumes and wonderful scenery which have been painted by members of the senior citizen club Brushstrokes.

“We will also be including some audience interaction,” she said.

“Children watching can take part by cheering or booing at certain parts of the performance. They love to be able to take part.”

The part of the wicked queen will be played by Jacqueline Billington, while Snow White and Prince Harry will be performed by newcomers Cassandra House and Emily Brown respectively.

Dickinson said House recently finished her Year 12 examinations and was impressed by the young actress who had to study for her exams and learn the part at the same time.

“While we have a few newcomers, audiences can still expect to see a lot of familiar faces,” Dickinson said.

Snow White will be showing at the Weld Theatre on Queen Street from January 1 to 16, with a range of matinee and evening performances available.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children and are available at Callows newsagency. For more information, please contact Evans at 9752 1657.