Snow White
1999-2002, UK, USA, Canada. Ages 6+
About
‘Mirror, mirror on the wall…’
In a world where snowflakes fall like feathers, where mirrors answer back and dwarfs are a-plenty, Snow White is stranded in the forest. Will she escape the poisoned apple and live happily ever after? Music, magic and a dwarf or two in this enchanting, humorous production.
After touring Britain, performing as part of the Scottish International Children’s festival, Snow White set off on the international touring circuit. The show first toured Canada, then played the Barbican Pit in London. Over Xmas 2002, the show played at London’s National Theatre and Harrow Arts Centre. It then moved to Broadway, where it played for three weeks at the New Victory Theatre in spring 2003, followed by a US tour.
Tour
2002
Xmas
26 Nov-14 Dec National Theatre
16-21 Dec Harrow Arts Centre
June 2002
3-8 Ottawa Festival
May 2002
1-6 Annenberg Centre, Philadelphia
18-25 Milk Festival, Toronto
April 2002
3-6 Kenan Centre, Lockport, NY
8 CRC Syracuse, NY
11-13 Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham
22 Adler Theatre, Iowa
24 Paramount Theatre, Iowa
30 Annenberg Centre, Philadelphia
March 2002
1-16 New Victory Theatre, New York
18 Smith Theatre, Geneva, New Jersey
19 Bardavon Theatre, Poughkeepsie, NY
22 Hudson Opera House, NY
February 2002
19 Community Theatre, Morristown, New Jersey
21-22 Steamer Theatre No. 10, New Jersey
28 New Victory Theatre, New York
January
Jan 29-Feb 3 Showcase 2002, Annenberg Centre, Philadelphia
June 2001
6-10 London International Children’s Festival, Canada
May 2001
22-26 Calgary International Children’s Festival, Canada
29 May-2 June St Albert International Children’s Festival, Canada
October 2000
7 Tricycle Theatre, London
8-10 Cambridge Drama Centre
September 2000
23 Nuffield Theatre, Southampton June
1-4 Theatre Workshop, Edinburgh (SICF)
18 Komedia, Brighton
May 2000
27 Adam Smith Theatre, Glasgow
28 MacRobert Arts Centre, Stirling
29-31 Edinburgh Schools (Scottish International Children’s Festival)
April 2000
27-29 Beaford Arts Centre, Devon
February 2000
12 Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford
20 Portsmouth Arts Centre
21 Rotherham Arts Centre
22 Watermans Arts Centre, Brentford
23/24 Harrow Arts Centre
26 Birmingham Rep
November 1999
15-19 Camden People’s Theatre
October 1999
Aberdeen Festival
August 1999
Edinburgh Fringe – C venues
Team
Adapted by the company from the Brothers Grimm story
Huntsman
Adam Bampton-Smith (original production), Toby Mitchell
Queen
Hilda Gardner (original production), Sara Hillier, Hester Musson
Snow White
Sarah-Louise Young (original production), Nicola Harrison
Director
Olivia Jacobs
Creative Producer
Toby Mitchell
Composer/Musical Director
Jon Fiber, with Andy Shaw
Designer
Isla Shaw
Lighting Designer
James Whiteside
Original Lighting Designer
Athan Osborne
Thanks to
Nanette, Brian, Ida and all at Showcase 2002; Susan Murphy; all at camden people’s theatre (especially Shaun); Mark and Sophie at Diorama; Jonny; Pascal; Gavin; Ian; Ben and the fabulous Vicky. This show is for Dan and Joe.
Reviews
Children expecting the cheerful Disney version of Snow White are probably in for a shock. Tall Stories go back to the original Brothers Grimm for the basis of this chilling story.
In a chilling twist, the wicked queen (Hilda Gardner) is Snow White’s real mother. The huntsman has a human side too, struggling with this conscience after the queen threatens his own daughter’s safety. As for the dwarves, this lot – or should I say one, as Adam Bampton-Smith brilliantly plays all seven – are not what they seen. The leader is called Brigadier and they are more louts about the house than cuddly gnomes. Snow White (Sarah-Louise Young) is not so keen on cleaning up after them.
The three actors use an inspired mix of mime and song in this strongly visual production. What is also refreshing is the well-rounded characters they have created. Snow White is far from the simpering goody-goody in Disney. She succumbs to vanity and has a wicked streak in herself. When her mum turns up at her wedding with the handsome prince, Snow White makes her dance on hot coals until she dies. And guess who inherits the mirror?
Scotsman
Tall Stories highlight the darker side of the story whilst still maintaining its target kiddie audience. The three adept performers on the near-empty stage switch between characters with dexterity and ease. Convincing? This big kid cried when Snow White died. Entertaining? The kids wanted more. Enchanting? Certainly.
The List
This is a stylish reworking… Jon Fiber’s musical score goes a long way to creating the sense of place, combining elements of folk with hints of the burlesque. Director Olivia Jacobs and the dexterous cast firm up the castle, the dark forest, the dwarf’s house, with a mixture of mime, clowining and physical theatre.
The Herald
Excellent performances from three versatile performers keep the kids – and their parents – enthralled. There’s magic and music aplenty – especially that mysterious moving mirror. The show seems to live up to its boast that it’s suitable for all ages from five to one hundred and five.
Scot FM
Publicity
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Extra Info
About Tall Stories Theatre Company Ltd
Tall Stories are a professional theatre company presenting old, new and timeless stories in fresh and exciting ways, always acknowledging the presence of the audience. We aim to create a lively theatrical experience, accessible to all, endeavouring to produce plays which are portable, able to tour to theatres, community venues and schools. We aim to tell stories in a physical, visual style and our performances link original music with movement and a lot of laughs. The company was founded in 1996 by directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell.
Award-winning
Over the last five years Tall Stories’ inventive family shows have toured nationally and internationally delighting audiences from London UK to London Ontario with their unique style of physical storytelling. Tall Stories won the Spirit of the Fringe award at the 1999 Edinburgh Fringe. Snow White is a new adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm tale.
International Tour
Tall Stories’ national tour of Snow White started at the Edinburgh Fringe 1999. Other tour dates have included the Scottish International Children’s Festival 2000, the Tricycle Theatre London, the Komedia Brighton and the Nuffield Southampton.
The show has also toured around Canada and the USA – including three weeks at the New Victory Theatre on Broadway in spring 2003.
