"Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs" by Erewash Musical Society Youth Group.
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

I have been accused of attending the opening of an envelope, but when the envelope is a golden one like this, it's worth the attendance.

It's not often I see a panto presented by a youth group, but I was really pleasantly surprised by this show, and I think that is all to do with a very clever and fresh script and an incredibly confident and youthful cast.

Written by James Bowden, this includes many topical and cheeky remarks about Prince Harry and Trump, Love Island and The X Factor, which put a grin on my face. And the jokes were mainly new ones to me. Writing for panto is possibly one of the most difficult forms to get right, but James has done a smashing job of it. I don't know if this is his panto writing debut, but if it is, he has a flair for this style of comedy.

The style is mainly traditional but there is a fresh approach to several sections, and that is what makes this production a joy to watch. It's not easy for a young cast to deliver panto with the confidence and ability needed for panto, and I've seen enough to know, but, apart from just a couple of stumbles, they really pulled this off. This I would put down to their obvious enjoyment of this particular theatre genre as well as their exuberance.

Directed by Clare Toska, and this is her first time directing the Youth Group, but she did a really good job. There were a couple of times that the stage was bare, which just needs tightening up, with the help of stage management, but when you think of the amount of people in this cast, and the size of the stage and the wings, on the whole this panto ran very smoothly.

Absolutely no issues with the sound by Dave Dallard, Phil Holland and Harvey Tavener, and the musical side of this, but then again when you have Dave Dallard at the helm, you know that the band sound is going to be right. And this band is tight as a drum.

The lighting is in the very professional hands of Dave Martin, making this a very colourful, visual affair.

I loved the choreography, and just because these were younger people performing, don't think that they were given an easy ride, because they weren't. Hayden Fletcher, Sophie Robbins, Ellie Simmonds and Natalie Austen provided some exciting choreography which was well presented by the cast.

Talking of which......

Bethan Moore (Snow White) was almost overshadowed by some of the other characters, which just shows what a powerful cast this is. Bethan has a lovely singing voice and looks the part with that wonderful costume she wears.

Francesca Foster (Queen Evelyn) is a star in the making and really embodied the evilness of the character. Everything from her evil laugh to her facial expressions, and to top it all, she has a wonderful voice, which we get to hear at its' best in the Act One closer "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)". Francesca also has great stage presence.

Joel Dawson (Simon The Joker) is also another very talented young actor. the way he delivers to the audience is of a very mature nature. This is something that younger actors sometimes have trouble with, not so with Joel. he is confident in his delivery and understands the script, which makes what he says believable to the audience. Another young man with amazing stage presence.

Rob Cattenach (Nanny Nick-Nack), I have seen Rob before but in this performance, he really comes alive and playing the Dame character, again something that a young actor could have problems with, because at that age there is no connection or relateability. Rob 100% made this character his own. He looked comfortable in the role and in the script he delivered. Playing Dame is possibly the hardest job in panto but Rob made this look easy. He could have a future in this kind of role.

Matt Bradbury (Henry the Henchman) is also a solid young performer who can sing, dance and act and his likeability as Henry is evident in his final bows.

The three Good Fairies are played by Paige Sisson (Fairy Goodheart), Amy Dawson (Fairy Sweetheart) and Robyn Oleshko (Fairy Braveheart), all arriving on stage on roller blades and a skateboard.

The Dwarfs were Ewan Hoole (Prof), James O Boyle (Grumpy), Maddie Stevens (Crazy), Sky Stacey (Snotty), Dylan Hoole (Bashful), Emmy Jones (Fearful) and Jon Bramley (Dreamy).

James O Boyle also played The Magic Mirror, and this was done brilliantly. Now, I don't know if these mirror sections were filmed separately or live, but the timing and reaction between Francesca and James was wonderful.

Grace Edwards (Cuddles The Cat) is aptly named as she was the typical, graceful feline.

Gabs Oleshko (Prince Valiant) brought lots of comedy to his role by getting lost in the forest after his Uber cab broke down on his way back to the "Pallarce". A modern twist on this character as the first time he encounters Snow White is when he revives her with a kiss.

A great ensemble troupe who played various other roles, but I must give a mention to Joe Langley who, on one of his roles, played a frog. Who would think that a simple "ribbit" would create such laughter from this audience.

A hard working cast who presented a brilliant modern panto with energy and enthusiasm. you only have to look at some of the ensemble near the back to see this, as well as the ones up front.

There's also a modern twist to the audience participation sections and the audience song sheet.I won't spoil that little surprise for you.

The music choices are great as well, and I also loved the change in some of the lyrics to make the song relevant to the story. there are many clever touches in this show.

"Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs" is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 8 February. I can guarantee that you'll leave feeling happy, even if you're grumpy going in.