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Review: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, Colne Muni
1:53pm Tuesday 10th January 2012
By Joanne Fenwick - Lancashire Evening Telegraph »
WE all know the tale of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, with the evil Queen and her poisonous apple and I’m pleased to say this adaptation at Colne Muni didn't disappoint!
Taking my four-year-old daughter to watch her first panto was a truly magical experience.
She was so excited to see one of her favorite films come to life on the stage and to be honest so was I.
The Muni was packed full with adults and children of all ages, most of the children waving flashing torches and wands, the place buzzing with the anticipation of what was to come.
It didn't take long before the whole audience was joining in with the cast and their “oh no you didn't” and “he's behind you” routine. Even I found myself shouting and clapping away.
Mr Pantomime George Critchley plays the mixed-up Muddles and kept the audience entertained with his jokes and energetic presence.
We especially enjoyed a 12 days of Christmas sketch he did with the handsome prince and his mother Dame Duddles, which had the three of them running up and down the stage with wellies, rubber ducks and a bra made for three!
The costumes were sparkling, the singing amazing and with the odd bit of adult humour thrown in for good measure it was a brilliant show for all the family – thoroughly enjoyable!
Tickets available from The Muni box office 01282 661234 Show runs until Sunday, January 22.
THE STAGE REVIEW:
There’s something very comforting about a panto that markets itself as
a warm, entertaining family show and then proceeds to deliver exactly
that. This production is an unpretentious, honest-to-goodness affair
that hits the spot perfectly. It’s as traditional a panto as you are
ever likely to see but with plenty to keep modern audiences thoroughly
entertained.
George Critchley has assembled a first-rate cast who do justice to
his lively script, especially when Keith De’Winter and Mark Peachey take
centre stage as the dame, Mrs Duddles, and Muddles.
Peachey’s hilarious facial expressions alone are worth the price of a ticket. The pair are a joy to behold as they work tirelessly to ensure maximum audience participation.
Amy Skillman is a superb wicked Queen Cruella. Her commanding stage presence and fantastic singing voice are a sheer delight, while former Coronation Street star Chris Quinten is a particularly scary Ramsbotton, the wicked queen’s hideous servant.
Snow White Lauren Atkins and Keith Henderson as her prince combine
beautifully on vocals and Ceris Hine must be one of the best fairies
around this season.
Review: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre and Colne Muni
4:23pm Tuesday 13th December 2011 in Reviews
By Kate Turner - Lancashire Evening Telegraph »
Reporter
IF you are searching for a panto to watch this Christmas then look no further than Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.
The show, which comes to Colne Muni in the New Year, was written and directed by panto stalwart George Critchley, and features amazing sets, dazzling costumes and plenty of laugh out loud moments.
Lauren Atkins gives an impressive performance as the beautiful Snow White who falls in love with the dashing Prince Fernando played by Keith Henderson.
But Snow White’s evil step mum, Queen Cruella, Amy Skillman, wants the prince for herself and plots for her henchman Ramsbottom, Chris Quinten, best known for playing Brian Tilsley in Coronation Street, to take her into the forest and kill her.
But help is at hand in the form of Snow White’s trusty friend Muddles and his mum, panto dame Mrs Duddles, played by Keith De’Winter.
The story is narrated by Fairy Good, Ceris Hine, who can step into the plot to add a touch of magic where it’s needed.
The vocal ability of all the cast was evident throughout the show with jaw-dropping renditions of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way and Bruno Mars’s Just The Way You Are.
Amy Skillman’s depiction of Queen Cruella was one of the highlights of the show, adding humour whilst also leaving the audience quaking in their seats.
The jokes came thick and fast from Mrs Duddles and Muddles who also performed a hilarious delivery of 12 days of Christmas.
This laugh-a-minute show is packed full of songs and dances to get you up dancing – with a few added surprises.
*Snow White, Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre until December 17. Box office 01254 380293.
George Critchley for PMA Productions Ltd presents...
"Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs" starring Coronation Street's Chris Quinten (Brian Tilsley) and back by popular demand Keith De'Winter at:
Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, Lancashire
7th - 17th December, 2011
www.hyndburnentertainment.com
The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Staffordshire
24th - 31st December, 2011
www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/princeofwales
01543 578762
The Muni, Colne, Lancashire
6th - 22nd January, 2011
www.themuni.co.uk
01282 661234
Also.....
"Cinderella" at:
The Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Shropshire
2nd - 6th December, 2011
www.festivaldraytoncentre.com
01630 654444
Darwen Library Theatre, Lancashire
8th - 24th December, 2011
www.darwenlibrarytheatre.com
(01254) 706006
Cinderella
www.thestage.co.uk
The Stage Review:
Cinderella
Published Monday 19 December 2011 at 10:59 by Andrew Liddle
Veteran Stage critic Kevin Berry described one of George Critchley’s pantos as “the best I have ever seen in my entire life”. Lavish praise, indeed, but not without foundation, based on the evidence of this, Critchley’s tenth at Darwen, which is packed full of festive fun and frivolity.
In this traditional version, which retains the element of masquerade, Cinderella - played splendidly by Charlotte de Paeztron, of the golden tonsils - imagines she’s falling in love with a palace flunkey when in reality it is the disguised Prince Charming. David Luke steps with ease into the leading role, swapping identities with his servant in order to find true love.
Most of the real complications are caused by the dastardly stepmother, Lady Morticia Tremayne, done to a turn by newcomer Nell Mooney, sounding like a Noo Yoik Cruella Deville. Dereck Walker and David Kent make an excellent double act as the ugly sisters, Britney and Christina, reprising the roles they perfected last year in Luton, which led to an acclaimed show at the Fringe, Uglies Do Edinburgh.
Lancashire lad William Hazell has talent to burn and, as bouncy Buttons, steals every scene he’s in - and the lovely Victoria Hope seems to be in most of them, as the hardest-working fairy godmother in the business, along with the excellent local troupe of DAPA dancers.
Production information
Darwen Library Theatre, December 8-24
Author:
George Critchley
Director:
George Critchley
Producer:
PMA Productions
Cast:
Charlotte de Paeztron, Victoria Hope, Nell Mooney, Dereck Walker, David Kent, David Luke, William Hazell
Running time:
2hrs 15mins
Review: Cinderella, Darwen Library Theatre
2:14pm Tuesday 20th December 2011
By Simone Yates - Lancashire Evening Telegraph »
THERE’S nothing better than going to a panto in your hometown, and with the quaint theatre that Darwen boasts, we were ready for some Christmas fun.
Starting with poor old Cinderella, scrubbing the floorboards of Hardup Hall, there were plenty of boos when wicked stepmother Lady Morticia Tremayne gave her orders.
A great performance from New Yorker – Nell Mooney, whose accent made her stand out from the rest.
Britney and Christina were the Ugly Sisters – not a patch on the real two of course! Although they managed to change into some ridiculous wigs and costumes.
Played in drag by David Kent and Dereck Walker the adults in the audience were just as entertained as the children.
Little girl’s faces were alight when Fairy Godmother, a very pretty Victoria Hope, sprinkled her magic and made Cinderella’s wish come true. Local performers from DAPA deserve a special mention – they were charming to watch, with ballet dancing from start to finish.
Funny-man Buttons, played by William Hazel, kept the majority of the audience going, with his numerous bellboy’s costume changes and comical Michael Jackson performance.
And who can forget the dashing Prince Charming played by David Luke?
And his new bride Cinderella played by Charlotte de Paeztron with a beautiful dance routine and duet, they were both incredible throughout.
PMA Productions delivered a great performance and following last year’s Christmas productions, they were asked to return – and now we know why.
Also....
"Aladdin and His Magic Lamp" starring EastEnders (Tony Hills) Mark Homer
at:
Jennings Theatre, The Wave, Maryport
21st - 30th December, 2011
www.thewavemaryport.co.uk
01900 811450
The Mart Theatre, Skipton
23rd and 24th December, 2011
www.themarttheatre.org.uk
The Times and Star
Review: Aladdin, The Wave Centre, Maryport
24th December, 2011
Reviewer: Viv Paterson
ALADDIN, playing at The Wave Centre in Maryport, could not be a more traditional pantomime.
Indeed, many of the jokes have been around as long as the genre itself, but that adds to the fun of the occasion.
There are a few surprises, however, including a cameo appearance by a very beautiful elephant.
A definitive highlight is the opening of the second act which features a Queen medley with unrecognisable lyrics. Add to that a bit of modern pop, some George Formby, a touch of Les Miserables, and a pinch of Hairspray and there are the makings of an excellent show.
Ex-EastEnder Mark Homer plays a convincing villain and Neil Bromley is a fantastic Widow Twankey, while the feckless Wishee Washee (Sean Keating) delights the kids with his slapstick humour.
The audience did their part to the best of their ability - booing and yelling and laughing and clapping whenever it was required.
It is certainly a fun way to celebrate the Christmas season.
And also starring Coronation Street's (Andy McDonald)
Nick Cochrane
at:
Billingham Forum
11th -14th February, 2012
www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk
Darwen Library Theatre
15th February, 2012
www.darwenlibrarytheatre.com
------------------------------
George Critchley would like to thank all actors, crew, venue management and their staff for a very successful Christmas 2010 through until Easter 2011 season on the shows and tours as listed below.....
"Beauty and The Beast" and "Pinocchio" Tour April 2011
The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock
Darwen Library Theatre
King George's Hall, Blackburn
Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre
The Wave Maryport
Stamford Corn Exchange
Middlesbrough Theatre
Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton
---------------------------------
"The best pantomime I have seen in my entire life" - Kevin Berry - The Stage, about PMA's production of Cinderella at the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond.
'Cinderella' at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock and The Muni, Colne last Christmas 2010/2011 starred...
CORONATION STREET's NICK COCHRANE (Andy McDonald), EASTENDERS' MARK HOMER and GEMS TV's SCOTT WORSFOLD and FIONA EGAN and a full professional cast...
George Critchley as Buttons in his 15th consecutive year!!!
Written and Directed by George Critchley
THE STAGE REVIEW (AS PUBLISHED)...
After playing at Oswaldtwistle and Cannock, this touring pantomime comes to the PMA company’s spiritual home - the Colne Muni. On reaching the Muni it has become a tradition that PMA’s supremo, and local favourite, George Critchley takes over the comic role.
Critchley gives a crackerjack performance as Buttons, bristling with purposeful comic energy. He is appealingly mischievous, wildly anarchic when he wants and, boy, does he connect with the audience.
This Cinderella is alive with invention and teasing meanderings, but the narrative is kept true. A dancing tailor with a huge scissors constructs the ball gown. The wicked stepmother is often an optional character in Cinderella, but here she is included, and having her on stage allows the Ugly Sisters to tone down their nastiness.
Fiona Egan is the stepmother and she moves with delicious drama. The sisters, Scott Worsfold and Adam Borzone, have a gang-show exuberance and they play off each other very effectively.
Ella Vize plays Cinderella with far more personality than is usual. She is an emphatic presence and she sings with enviable clarity.
Everyone on stage moves with purpose. The song and dance sequences have shape and interest. This is a technically impressive show and it is also hugely entertaining. Just ask anyone from Colne.
Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre
8th to 18th December, 2010
Featured The Zoe Taylor School of Dance.
Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock
24th to 31st December, 2010
Featured Studio 5 Dance Studio
The Muni, Colne
7th - 23rd January, 2011
Supported by ASDA and Burnley FC
Featured East Lancashire School of Dance
-------------------------------
Christmas shows also presented..
"Jack and The Beanstalk" at:
The Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton
- 3rd to 7th December, 2010
Featured DAPA dancers (Blackburn)
Darwen Library Theatre
- 10th to 24th December, 2010
Featured DAPA dancers (Blackburn)
Jennings Theatre, The Wave, Maryport
- 27th - 31st December, 2010
Featured local talented dancers
Jack And The Beanstalk
Published Wednesday 15 December 2010 at 16:42 by Kevin Berry
After showing six magical, well-received Christmas adventures at Darwen Library Theatre, the ever zestful PMA Productions company brings a first pantomime to this little gem of a venue.
There are always zany and eccentric fairies in pantomime stories, but Claire Coultry, as Fairy Tinkle My Bell, makes a standout contribution in this Jack and the Beanstalk. She is resourceful, forthright and she has enough enthusiasm to rally a losing hockey team with five minutes to go. From the start she squares up to Jonathan Metcalf’s excellent Fleshcreep and she succeeds in toning down the audience’s view of him. Even the tiniest youngsters feel confident in booing him. Added to all that she is a reassuring narrator.
Coultry would be the first to say this panto is a team effort and it clearly is. Nothing emphasises that more than a ghost scene played with comic flair and sweet timing. Griff Jameson’s gang show style Dame and William Hazell’s Silly Billy give it energy.
The characters all have something that makes them a little bit different. There is a clear and respectful story line, exuberant playing throughout and endless fun. What more could anyone want from a pantomime ?
Musical direction by Malcolm Bennett
Choreographer: Karen Heritage
Written and Directed by George Critchley
“This is a happy pantomime. The audience participation is constant and welcomed. Everyone is having a great time”
The Stage
“Jack and the Beanstalk is a lavishly-costumed and wonderfully colourful show... For a family afternoon (or evening) out it's great value for money.”
The Citizen Newspaper
---------------------------
George Critchley for PMA Productions Ltd presented..
Alice in Wonderland - a fresh new musical comedy for all the family
Join Alice as she meets the wacky, weird and wonderful world of wonderland - characters like Tweedledum and Tweedledee, The White Rabbit and the wicked Queen of Hearts.
George Critchley for PMA Productions Ltd brings you this new musical comedy version for all the family based on the books Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.
"Alice in Wonderland" - The Tour
Cast:
Amy Skillman (Channel 5's "Don't Stop Believing") as Alice
Steven MacGillvray as The Mad Hatter/Tweedledee
Danny Stokes as Tweedledum/Sergeant Card/Caterpillar
Lucy Read as The Queen of Hearts/March Hare/Lorina
Amelia Friswell as The White Rabbit
Darwen Library Theatre: 30th October, 2010
Stamford Corn Exchange: 12th December, 2010
The ACE Centre, Nelson: 17th and 18th December, 2010
AYR Town Hall: 23rd and 24th December, 2010
Thwaites Theatre, Blackburn: 12th February, 2011
The Mart, Skipton: 19th February, 2011
Bolton Albert Halls: 24th February, 2011
George Critchley for PMA Productiions Ltd presented...
"Farley's Date by ExEASTENDER Mark Homer at:
The Old Red Lion, Islington, LONDON
20th July to 7th August, 2010
BOX OFFICE: 020 7837 7816
www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk
Three OFFIE nominations from Offwestend.com for ...
Best New Play, Best Actor (Mark Homer) and Best Set Design
Farley's Date - written by Mark Homer
CAST:
Matt Warman
Helen Barford
Mark Homer
Jayne Denny
Directed by Rob Crouch
Farley's stuck in a rut: pigeon-stepping it to his mid-thirties but clutching to a fading dream. For best mate Jace, life couldn't be rosier. Good job, nice pad and soon to marry the lovely Stella! In Farley's pokey flat in Lewisham, the boys finally green light their trip of a lifetime Easy Rider style.
Will the boys ever get their motor running? Just the small matter of telling the bride to be!
Farley's Date, written and performed by Mark Homer (Eastenders), is a heartwarming and humorous look at morality in love and friendship and what happens when dreamers have to grow up
What's On Stage review - August 4th, 2010 ***
Farley’s lounge is a microcosm of his world: claustrophobic and in a bit of a mess. Dumped by his girlfriend, and wallowing in this pokey pit of self pity, Farley (Matt Warman) wants to hit the road; Route 66, Easyrider style, and he’s trying to persuade his best mate Jace (Mark Homer) to go on one last splurge with him. Jace, however, is playing out his life by the rulebook. He’s got a good job, and is weeks away from marrying his girlfriend. If this premise seems hackneyed, that’s because it is, but bear with me…
This familiarity is actually the play’s strength; we are in Farley’s lounge after all. It’s nicely paced, the characters well drawn, and the acting, on the whole, convincing. We all know people like these; the boys talk around, rather than about serious matters, they mess around, and end up on just the right side of totally hopeless and vaguely endearing. Helen Barford as Stella holds her own in this boys’ world; she’s quite a feisty madam who is all the same dreaming of her big day and wearing her Nan’s pearls. But they are not mere types, there’s something fresh about the delivery that makes this portrayal feel like a snapshot rather than a cartoon of disillusioned thirty-somethings.
Special praise goes to Sarah Charles-Thomas for the set; with clever placement of a wash basket and plastic cabinet just offstage, giving the impression of a Farley’s festering bathroom just beyond our view.
I was also pleasantly surprised by former Eastender Mark Homer's script, with it’s chirpy chatter and easy humour.
What's On Stage reader reviews:
This new play is 'laugh out loud' funny with highly charged, emotional and moving moments with a great cast. My friends and I were kept enthralled throughout. Highly recommended. - Clare Dent
30 Jul 10

A very funny and yet deeply moving and thought provoking script along with 4 wonderful talented actors makes this play a truly great night at the theatre. If you are use to the big West End theatres along with the even bigger West End theatre prices try The Old Red Lion which is extremely intermate and very reasonably priced and the high quality of Farely's Date you rarely find in the West End. - Adam B
26 Jul 10
REMOTEGOAT Review at The Old Red Lion:
"Amusing writing promises greater things"
SOLT/TheatreFix Review: Farley’s Date at the Old Red Lion
Mark Homer’s new play may not be about to change the face of theatre, but it is a genuinely good night out.

When preparing to see a play about two men confronting the onset of middle age and chasing their dream of a round-the-world motorbike trip, I’ll be honest: my expectations weren’t the highest. How much room do we have left for stories of men mourning the passing of their youth? In spite of my cynical mindset, Farley’s Date is a piece of original and satisfying theatre that is more than worth making time for.
Farley is undeniably stuck in a rut. As a last dance, he and his soon-to-be-married friend Jace plan to pursue the journey of a lifetime. Unsurprisingly, this doesn’t go down well with Jace’s fiancée, Stella, and prompts several skeletons to come out of the closet. What emerges is a subtle but deeply felt exploration of the danger of chasing dreams. I’m reluctant to sport clichés, but rarely has the praise ‘the time just flew by’ been used as a more honest assessment: the two hours could quite easily have been twenty minutes.
This is partly a result of the familiarity of the situation, but more so a result of the honesty, vulnerability and commitment invested in the acting. The male parts would seem to be more developed than the female – in part because of the nature of the piece – but the ensemble is flawless. The actors’ ability to cover glitches is fantastic. So much so in fact, that mistakes begin to seem like positive occurrences, as they reveal just how closely-knit the cast are, and their almost infallible team work.

The set design by Sarah Charles-Thomas is particularly note-worthy. Her set manages to make the Old Red Lion seem much more expansive than usual whilst the inclusion of dead plants, takeaways and scrawled notes effectively convey the claustrophobia of a one-bedroom flat. Gently symbolic, the unpretentious realism of this set makes it seem so familiar that we almost overlook it.
If you’re looking for show that’s politically provocative or that’s going to shake up your understanding of theatre, then Farley’s Date isn’t for you. If, however, you want to see an incredibly intimate, completely watchable and utterly enjoyable show, then it’s more than worth a look.
Helena Rampley
Thursday 22nd July, 2010
Quote from an email received by me today from a theatregoer who attended the performance on Tuesday 19th July...
"If you're still trying to get people to go for Farley's Date tonight, I STRONGLY recommend that people go.
It was one of the best nights of theatre I've ever had - the characters were believable, well-rounded and beautifully acted. There were satisfying twists that no-one in the audience saw coming and it had a proper structure to it. To be honest, I've seen less professional performances on large west end stages. It's also very, very funny.
The beer's good there too! "
The British Theatre Guide Review....
Farley's Date
By Mark Homer - Little Homma Productions
Brockley Jack Theatre
Review by Sandra Giorgetti (2009)
In Farley's Date Farley wakes up on the sofa feeling like the scum "on the worst pond in the world". Partly this is due to the fact that girlfriend Holly has left him and partly this is due to the many consoling beers consumed the night before with best mate Jace.
The evening had been spent, can in hand, re-planning their youthful dream of 'doing' the American southwest Easy Rider-style, but when about-to-be-married Jace tries to back down in the cold light of sober day, Farley won't have any of it and manipulates the situation and Jace to get his own way.
Mark Homer's writing is adroit. Although Farley and Jace are polar opposites their relationship is well-expressed and convincing, and although Homer might have written the part of Jace with himself in mind there is no hint of cherry-picking.
The plot is familiar but the well-imagined, consistently funny dialogue provides a refreshing and entertaining approach to it. There are a number of surprises and twists as the story progresses, and although these also are not universally original there is undoubtedly a skill at preparing for a turn without signalling its impending arrival.
Homer has an excellent feel for a funny line and at finding humour in the most tragic of events, and then using humour, or the absence of it, to provide focus where it's needed.
Mark Homer proves himself to be a very capable actor as well as writer (I can't imagine him being involved with EastEnders!) and Matt Warman, who is naturally funny, is outstanding as Farley, a bit of a looser but amiable. Helen Barford gives a persuasive performance as bride-to-be Stella, practical but winning, and Jayne Denny ably handles Tina, who finds herself amongst the ménage and whose grounded approach provides contrast to the root-less.
Rob Crouch directs the fluent cast of four and you can sense a 'comic chemistry' between them. What a shame the run of Farley's Date was a fleeting four performances.
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Email georgepma1@mac.com
The magnificent Seven!
This Christmas season PMA Productions have been invited by seven venues to produce professional pantomimes and Christmas shows at the following venues:
Cinderella
For the first time ever a pantomime and it's a PMA Production at The Wave Centre. Maryport - a new revolutionary £3.3 million Entertainment, Heritage and Conference Centre on Cumbria's west coast.
27th - 31st December, 2009
Box Office: 01900 811450
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Sleeping Beauty this Christmas 2009/2010 season stars at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock and The Muni Theatre, Colne.
Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre:
9th - 19th December, 2009
Box Office: 01254 232172
The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock:
24th - 31st December, 2009
Box Office: 01543 578762
The Muni Theatre, Colne:
8th - 24th January, 2010
Box Office: 01282 661234
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
PMA Productions return to Darwen Library Theatre for their eighth Christmas...and presents...
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
11th - 24th December, 2009
Box Office: 01254 706006
www.darwenlibrarytheatre.com
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz also this Christmas at:
The Festival drayton centre, Market Drayton.
"North Shropshire's quality entertainment venue with state of the art sound and lighting with a professional 200 seater theatre"
5th - 8th December, 2009
Box Office: 01630 654444
www.festivaldraytoncentre.com
Goldilocks and The Three Bears
starring Tony Howes at The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire
9th - 31st December, 2009
Aladdin
A short film from this year's production.