Theatre 3 - What's On In Sutton Coldfield

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs – Cloc MTC

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 2nd February – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

From the moment the curtain rises, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs proves once again why panto remains such a beloved theatrical tradition — and CLOC Musical Theatre Company deliver it with confidence, colour and a generous helping of warmth.

This is a lively, family-friendly production packed with playful humour, strong character work and an infectious sense of fun that clearly delighted audiences of all ages. The show balances classic pantomime conventions with plenty of modern sparkle, creating an experience that feels both comforting and fresh.

At the heart of the production is Lily Clements, who brings sincerity and charm to Snow White. Her performance is engaging and natural, grounding the story beautifully amid the chaos and comedy that swirl around her. Opposite her, Erin Mooney as Prince Ferdinand offers a confident and likeable presence, giving the central love story a gentle, believable warmth.

Comedy is very much at the forefront, and Krystian Wharton is a joy as Edna Bucket — commanding the stage with impeccable timing, knowing glances to the audience and a wonderfully playful rapport that keeps the laughs coming thick and fast. Stephen Whittick’s Grumbly adds another layer of humour, delivering his lines with just the right blend of gruffness and heart.

The supporting cast bring the fairy-tale world vividly to life. Alex Nash (Merlin), Paige Howen (Queen Avarice) and Sophia Powers (Fairy Fortune) each carve out distinctive characters, helping to shape the story and guide the audience through the twists and turns of the plot. Queen Avarice in particular strikes an excellent balance between theatrical villainy and pantomime exaggeration, earning both boos and laughs in equal measure.

The ensemble work is a real highlight. The dwarfs — Smiley (Mia Dorey), Sniffles (Lukas Wharton), Dozy (Lizzy Small), Brainy (Eloise Tanley) and Snoozy (Aine Shirley) — are full of energy and personality, working together with great chemistry and confidence. Their scenes are among the most engaging in the show, drawing big reactions from the audience.

Visually, the production is bright and welcoming, with vibrant backdrops, themed character imagery and a strong sense of cohesion across the staging. It’s clear a great deal of care has gone into presentation, helping to create a magical atmosphere that supports the storytelling rather than overpowering it.

Behind the scenes, the production team provide a strong and steady foundation for the show. Producer Teresa Biddell clearly leads with care and commitment, bringing together a production that feels cohesive, polished and full of heart. Sharon Wharton’s choreography is lively and well suited to pantomime, making excellent use of the ensemble and keeping the action flowing smoothly across the stage. Musical direction from John Jones supports the performances confidently, while Paul Douglass as prompt ensures the show runs seamlessly. Together, the team create an environment where cast and creativity can truly shine.

Above all, this is a production that radiates community spirit. The commitment and enthusiasm of the cast and production team shine through, reminding us that pantomime is at its best when it’s rooted in joy, inclusivity and shared laughter.

CLOC Musical Theatre Company’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a charming, energetic and thoroughly enjoyable festive treat — perfect for families, first-time theatre-goers and seasoned panto fans alike.

A Kick In The Baubles – Sutton Arts Theatre

Sutton Arts Theatre

Wednesday 28th January 2026 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

A Kick in the Baubles is festive farce at its most relatable — a sharp, affectionate comedy that finds big laughs in the chaos, compromises and quiet catastrophes of Christmas with family.

Set across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Bauble household, the play centres on Frank Bauble (Andy Jones), a man who would happily cancel Christmas altogether if given half the chance. Recently made redundant and utterly worn down by the season, Frank’s dream of a calm, uneventful holiday is immediately crushed by the arrival of relatives, neighbours and well-meaning disasters. His long-suffering wife Jean (Joanne James) is determined to hold everything together — even as it becomes increasingly clear that “together” is a very loose concept indeed.

Andy Jones delivers a wonderfully grounded performance as Frank, capturing both his simmering frustration and reluctant vulnerability. He is matched beautifully by Joanne James, whose Jean balances warmth, steel and perfectly timed exasperation — the emotional anchor of the household as everything spins out of control.

The extended family bring the chaos in waves. Harry and Doreen (Phil Shaw and Lynette Coffey) provide deliciously smug comedy as the superior, slightly unbearable in-laws, with Coffey in particular leaning confidently into Doreen’s sharp tongue and self-importance. Alex (Sophia Firkins) adds youthful edge and energy, playing off the older characters with ease.

The arrival of the neighbours injects the production with an extra jolt of festive madness. Gary (Dan Holyhead) and Julie (Bexs Perry) are gloriously loud, unapologetically chaotic and clearly enjoying every moment — their scenes are packed with physical comedy and bold character choices that land strongly with the audience.

Younger cast members Milly (Tilde Porter) and Darren (Daniel Charlton) round out the ensemble with charm and clarity, ensuring that even at its busiest moments the stage never feels overcrowded or unfocused.

Under the confident direction of Maureen George, who also leads on set design, the production embraces the rhythm of farce while allowing quieter, more heartfelt moments to breathe. The domestic setting works perfectly for the piece, feeling lived-in and instantly recognisable — a Christmas living room that becomes the battleground for festive tension and escalating misunderstandings.

Behind the scenes, Stage Manager Allan Lane keeps the production running smoothly, while David Ashton’s lighting and sound design supports the pacing and mood without distraction. Lighting operators Elijah Topliss and Melissa Arslan, alongside sound operator Archie Exhall, ensure technical elements remain sharp and responsive throughout.

The set is well supported by Paul Wescott as Set Building Manager, while costumes — provided by Sutton Arts Wardrobe and the cast — help clearly define character and social contrasts. Wardrobe Mistress Rachel Marshall keeps everything cohesive, and properties by Christina Townsend, Sue Atkins and Maureen George add the finishing touches that make the space feel authentically chaotic and lived-in.

Ultimately, A Kick in the Baubles succeeds because it recognises a simple truth: Christmas rarely goes to plan — and that’s exactly where the laughter lives. Warm, knowing and consistently funny, it offers audiences the chance to laugh at the madness while quietly recognising a little of their own family in the Baubles’ living room.

A festive treat that proves sometimes the best way to survive Christmas… is to laugh straight through it