Thameside Theatre, Grays
Orsett Rd, Grays RM17 5DX
Mirror Mirror On The Wall. What’s the fairest panto of them all?
Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Thameside Theatre, Grays are proud to present this year’s magical Christmas pantomime SNOW WHITE. This enchanting fairytale will captivate audiences of all ages and is the perfect treat for the whole family. With spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects, hilarious jokes and plenty of audience participation SNOW WHITE promises something for everyone, so book your tickets now!
Snow White Programme
Polka Dot Pantomimes are delighted to welcome you to the Thameside Theatre and this production of Snow White. This is the fourteenth pantomime we have produced here and every year continues to be more exciting and popular! We hope that you will enjoy watching this wickedly fun fairytale as much as we have enjoyed producing it.
For the 2024/2025 season we are producing eight professional pantomimes in Spalding, Bolton, Grantham, Harpenden, Grays, Hastings, Cannock and Bristol. Our pantomimes are consistently of the highest standards and we are delighted that every year we get to work with exceptionally talented performers, wonderful theatre staff, dedicated and hard working backstage teams, and our amazing creative teams - all of who put 100% effort into making our shows accessible and successful! We also love working with our three teams of children’s chorus and our wonderful chaperones – once again we had over 100 young people attend the auditions and the chosen 24 amaze us every day! A special mention must go to the wonderful staff at the Thameside Theatre who work tirelessly to keep the theatre open and maintained – they might not wear capes but they are all superheroes!
Since 2005 we have produced professional productions of Aladdin, Jack & The Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Wizard of Oz, Rapunzel, Dick Whittington and Beauty and the Beast.
We are delighted to be producing professional pantomime at the Thameside Theatre again this year and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting your local theatre – we appreciate you spending your time with us and choosing to watch this production –
THANK YOU!
From all of us at Polka Dot Pantomimes, we hope you enjoy this wonderful show and we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2025!
A message from the Thameside
Pantomime is always the highlight of the year at the Thameside with over 15,000 people coming to watch a traditional performance. I would like to say a big thank you to our wonderful cast, crew and Polka Dot Pantomimes for a wonderful production. A huge well done to the amazing team at the Thameside for all the hard work they put in with making the venue look so festive, helping to promote, supporting our customers and making everyone feel welcome.
The team is supported by the Theatre Management, Box Office Team, Ushers, Technicians, Marketing Team, Thameside Young Producers and Volunteers.
Thank you to all involved in making Christmas so special at the Thameside and thank you to you our audience for supporting our Great Little Theatre. We hope you all have a wonderful time and a very Merry Christmas and we hope to see you again soon.
DIANNA FERRY: THEATRE MANAGER
Principal Cast
NURSE NELLY - Luke Coldham
TRAINED: MOUNTVIEW (ACTING BA HONS) 2011
This will be Luke’s 23rd Pantomime to date and his 8th year as Thameside’s Panto Dame with Polka Dot and he cannot wait for this year’s Christmas family treat. He is also the founder and writer of Coldham Productions Adult Pantomimes at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon which shall be returning in January 2024 for “Jack Off The Beanstalk”. Luke is also the Patron of Thameside Young Producers and is a long-standing committee member for local groups Thurrock Courts Players and TOPS onstage. Since graduating from Mountview in 2011, Luke has trod the boards all over the country performing in everything from Musicals to Shakespeare to comedy improv. He hope's you enjoy the show and thanks you all for continuing to support the Thameside Theatre.
SNOW WHITE - Isabelle Byrne
Isabelle studied at Italia Conti academy for 5 years and at the age of 16 won a place at the Urdang Academy where she studied there for 3 years and received a level 6 diploma in professional musical theatre.
Isabelle is a local girl born and bred and first performed on the Thameside stage at the age of 3! 10 years ago Isabelle played one of the Dwarfs in Polka Dot Pantomimes production of Snow White at the Thameside and is now delighted to be playing Snow White in the 2024 production!
Isabelle would like to thank her family, friends and agent for all of their support!
Credits: Duffy, Annie the Musical Uk Tour. Kayla, The Prom (while training). Gloria, Flash Dance the Musical (while in training)
MUDDLES - Charles M Duke
Credits:
Elton John in ‘The New York Secret’ (Secret Theatre, Singapore) and also in ‘Are You Ready For Love’ (International Tour); (Peter Pan in ‘Peter Pan (The Drill, Lincoln); Elton John in ‘The Railway Ball’ (London’s O2); ‘Lost The Plot: An Improvised Musical’ (Vanguard Theatre, London); Elton John in ‘Elton: The Story of Sir Elton John’ (UK Tour & Marella Cruises); Presto in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (Grange Theatre, Northwich); Tin Man in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (New Theatre Royal, Lincoln); Scarecrow (also Director) in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (Crescent Theatre, Birmingham); Muddles (also Director) in ‘Rapunzel’ (Tour); Simple Simon in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ (Century Theatre, Coalville); Pinocchio in ‘Pinocchio’ (Amphitheatre, Basingstoke); Lead Male Vocalist in ‘Believe – The Cher Songbook’ (UK Tour); Bob Gaudio in ‘Bye Bye Baby’ (UK Tour).
Charles is absolutely thrilled to playing the role of Muddles in ‘Snow White’, here at The Thameside Theatre.
WICKED QUEEN - Laura Jackson
Laura trained in Musical Theatre at the prestigious Italia Conti Arts Centre. Since graduating Laura has performed professionally around the world, specialising in both musical theatre and dance. Upon graduating Laura worked as a lead vocalist for Carnival Cruise Line, travelling through the USA and the Caribbean.
Laura has most recently performed as a vocalist and swing in the famous Thursford Christmas Spectacular, having been invited back following a highly praised first season.
In-between contracts Laura leads her own function band as a vocalist, performing regularly across the UK in renowned venues, such as the Shard London, as well as corporate events and Weddings.
Laura is delighted to be making her Pantomime debut in ‘Snow White’ at the Thameside Theatre and would like to say a huge thank you to her family and agent for all their support and would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
FAIRY FORTUNE - Cinem Gopaul
Cinem Graduated From D&B Academy Of Performing Arts in 2022.
Her credits include: Lapland UK 2022 playing Character of Elva the post mistress (Ascot), Secret Cinema “WISHMAS” (London Waterloo, The Vaults) playing Wishkeeper Pumpernickel 2023-2024.
Cinem is very excited to be joining the cast of Snow White and is even more excited as this is her first pantomime
She would like to thank her agent Natasha at YOU management for her continuous support.
HERMAN THE HENCHMAN - David Burton
In a career spanning more than 50 years, David Burton is now firmly established as one of our finest character actors in theatre, film and television.
Specialising in comedy he has appeared in numerous popular TV programmes over the years including 'Only Fools & Horses'; 'The Morecambe & Wise Show'; 'Dawson's Weekly'; 'Some Mothers Do Have 'Em' and 'Bless This House' to name just a few.
Away from comedy, David has also played roles in many TV dramas including 'The Bill'; 'London's Burning'; 'Palmer'; 'A Very Polish Practice'; 'The Grass Arena' and 'Doctors'.
On the big screen David has featured in a number of major films such as 'The Young Victoria'; 'The Velvet Underground'; 'The Victors' and, as a teenage actor, alongside the legendary Judy Garland in 'I Could Go On Singing.'
His theatre work is even more extensive ranging from West End appearances in 'Oliver'; 'Carving A Statue' and 'A Thousand Clowns' to provincial theatre productions including: 'My Fair Lady' and, most recently, 'Who Killed Florence?'.
National tours include, 'She Stoops To Conquer'; 'Intent To Murder'; 'Run For Your Wife'; 'A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum'; 'Steptoe and Son'; 'The Jungle Book' '; 'The Snow Queen' 'The Second Mrs Tanqueray' and The Wizard of Oz'.
Pantomime has always been close to David's heart having made his debut as the boy babe 'Reggie' in 'Babes In The Wood' and he is delighted to be appearing in his 47th professional Christmas production this year at the wonderful Thameside Theatre for Polka Dot Pantomimes.
PRINCE CHARMING - Jack Skoines
Jack is a performing arts student from Bedford, and is currently at Emil Dale academy in Hitchin. He is in his final year of his Musical Theatre degree and can’t wait to step into the industry.
Since the age of seven, Jack has been a street dancer and has competed in both European championships and World championships. His first panto experience was at age 11 as John Darling in the Milton Keynes production of Peter Pan. The following year he joined the ensemble of Aladdin. Jack is looking forward to stepping into the world of Snow White and getting involved with the magic of Panto.
Credits whilst training:
Will Parker - Oklahoma; Edmund - King Lear; Wolf - Into the Woods ; Young Burt Reynolds - ITV
MIRROR - Jack Everson
Jack trained in Acting & Musical Theatre at Bird College, London and then went onto train at RADA with a focus on Shakespeare.
He was nominated by the Great British Panto Awards for his role as The Sheriff of Nottingham in Robbin Hood and made it into the Top 5 in the UK for ‘Best Male Villain’.
Jack co-owns an independent theatre school “Champions Theatre Arts”.
Theatre Credits:
Reverend Chasuble ‘The Importance of Being Earnest The New Musical‘ (Thorrington Theatre), Fleshcreep ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ (The Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne), Ugly Sister ‘Cinderella’ (The Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne), Tom Snout ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’(Al Fresco Theatre Company Essex), The Sheriff of Nottingham ‘Robin Hood’ (Camberley Theatre), The Fool ‘King Lear’ (Stockwell Playhouse, London), Genie ‘Aladdin’ (KD Theatre, The Maltings Theatre, Cambridge) Kai 'Snow Queen’ (UK Tour), Ugly Sister ‘Cinderella’ (The Playhouse, Weston Super Mare), Lion ‘Looking For Oz’ (UK Tour), Ugly Sister ‘Cinderella' (KD Theatre, The Maltings Theatre, Cambridge), John Darling ‘Peter Pan The Musical’ (International Tour), Hanschen ‘Spring Awakening’ (Tour), Herr Schultz ‘Cabaret’
(Gardyne Theatre, Scotland), Fate ‘Dreams’ A New Musical (Tristan Bates Theatre, Covent Garden).
Screen Credits:
Ernie Wise (FREESAT Advert), Featured Dancer (JustEat Advert), Chester Carlson ‘Life of Chester Carlson’ (BBC America), Belgium Conscript ‘Tarzan’ (Warner Brothers Studios),
Homeless Teenager (Centre Point Advert, SKY Atlantic).
Socials:
Instagram: @JpJack_Everson
Ensemble
SAMMY J HEMMINGS – PROFESSIONAL DANCER & UNDERSTUDY
Sammy is a professional dancer and has had the privilege to perform internationally including places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Turkey.
He graduated from Masters Performing Arts College back in 2017 and since then he has worked on some amazing projects on stage, TV and film. He is very excited to be joining this year’s pantomime season in Grays and can’t wait to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
LAURI FORDHAM REED – PROFESSIONAL DANCER & UNDERSTUDY
Lauri began her performing career in 2011 with her debut in the pantomime Aladdin with Polka dot pantomimes. Since then, she has showcased her versatility across a wide range of productions, including Into the Woods, Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Beauty and the Beast. In addition to her stage work, Lauri has danced professionally at various high-profile events, including the Christmas Extravaganza in the West End , She has also modelled for a number of companies including Marks and Spencer’s and Next. Currently, Lauri works as a character actress for Nickelodeon and portrays beloved Disney princesses, bringing iconic characters to life for children and families.
Lauri’s training began at Starshine Stage School when she was 3, where she developed her foundational skills. She went on to graduate from Performers College in 2024 with a BA Honours degree in Musical Theatre, giving her both the technical expertise and teaching skills necessary to thrive in the industry. Whilst at college she also qualified as a ISTD teacher and teaches at Starshine Stage School.
CURTIS HOLDER – PROFESSIONAL DANCER & UNDERSTUDY
Curtis Holder is 24 years old from Upminster and is a graduate of Performers College where he received a BA Hons degree in Performing Arts. Since then, amongst other things he has appeared in an advert for the game 'FIFA 23' and also recently returned from Switzerland where he was a member of the boyband in the Musical “Greatest Days”.
He’s very excited to be part of this cast and hopes everyone has a great Christmas and New Year.
JACINTA ALLEN – PROFESSIONAL DANCER & UNDERSTUDY
Jacinta is from Essex and attended Tiffany Theatre College with a full scholarship where she graduated with a distinction diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance in 2022. Jacinta has trained in a variety of dance styles and grew up with a background in gymnastics leading her to be a versatile performer.
Some of Jacinta’s credits include working on Celebrity Beyond (2022-2023), NCL Sky (2023) and Regent Seven Seas Explorer (2023-2024) as a dancer and dance captain. She has also performed in ‘Dance proms’ at the Royal Albert Hall and played the lead role ‘Charity’ in ‘Sweet Charity whilst training.
After the last 2 years of travelling the world, Jacinta is extremely excited to be joining the cast of ‘Snow White’ this Christmas in Essex, where she grew up! Jacinta hopes that everyone has as much fun jumping into the magic of pantoland as she does! Jacinta would also like to thank her family, friends and agent for their continued support.
JIMMY FORDHAM REED – PROFESSIONAL DANCER & UNDERSTUDY
Jimmy began performing at the remarkable age of two at the Thameside theatre and made his stage debut in Peter Pan eight years ago. He brought energy and charm to the role of Tommy in Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre in London, where he performed for two years. His diverse stage credits also include roles in Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Dick Whittington.
On screen, Jimmy has appeared in the hit series Call the Midwife, Matilda the Film, and Netflix’s Big Boys Don’t Cry, along with several commercial appearances.
Jimmy began his early training at Starshine Stage School and now hones his craft at Footprints Academy of Dance. He is currently pursuing a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and Performing Arts at MEPA College.
Chorus (Red Team)
DAISY NASH
ESME BORLAND
ISLA BISCEGLIA
KATIE-LILLIE GLOVER
LILIA SCAGLIOSI
LUISA GWATKIN
MAE BURNS
OLIVIA THOMAS
Chorus (Blue Team)
ALBIE HOPTON
ANNIE READ
BELLA CHAPMAN
ESME MASSEY
HOLLIE HOCKLEY
INDIANNA HERRETT
SCARLETT GOUDIE
SCARLETT KEEPING
Chorus (Yellow Team)
CHLOE DAVIES
ELLIE-MAY O'SHEA
ELOISE STEWART
HONEY PHILLIPS
KACIE-LEA COLLINS
PAIJE HAMMOND
SKYLA-RAE BRISTOW
WINNIE CHURCHILL
Production Team
DIRECTOR: LORINDA KING
CHOREOGRAPHER: VIKKI BUSSELL
WRITERS: DARREN MADDISON, PHIL NORTON & DARREN O’SULLIVAN
MUSICAL SUPERVISOR: STEVE HESSION
VOCAL COACH: VIKKI LYONS
SCENERY: PAUL LAZELL
COSTUMES: POLKA DOT PANTOMIMES
COMPANY STAGE MANAGER: FRANKI McEWEN
DEPUTY STAGE MANAGER: ELISABETH MOSS
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: MICHAEL SOUTHGATE
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: CHARLOTTE POGOSE
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: ALFIE WILLIAMS
SOUND DESIGNER/OPERATOR: KANE CROCKER
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR: SHERYLYN DUKE
HEAD CHAPERONE: ALISON FORDHAM
Polka Dot Pantomimes
COMPANY DIRECTOR: DARREN MADDISON
PRODUCER: CATHERINE MAYER
TECHNICAL PRODUCER: BEV A.M. PASKELL
FINANCE: HELEN WRIGHT
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: TONY MAYER
ADMINISTRATOR: ELAINE BARRON-CLARK
HEAD OF CASTING: LUKE ATTWOOD
SOCIAL MEDIA: JOEY RODAK
MUSICAL SUPERVISOR: STEVE HESSION
Scene Synopsis
ACT ONE
Scene 1 – THE STORY SO FAR!
Scene 2 - THE CASTLE COURTYARD
Scene 3 - THE CASTLE GARDENS
Scene 4 – QUEEN MORGANA’S THRONE ROOM
Scene 5 – THE CASTLE GARDENS
Scene 6 – FAIRY FORTUNE’S FOREST
ACT TWO
Scene 1 - THE STORY SO FAR!
Scene 2 - THE COTTAGE INTERIOR
Scene 3 – ON THE WAY HOME
Scene 4 - QUEEN MORGANA’S THRONE ROOM
Scene 5 – THE CASTLE GARDENS
Scene 6 – NURSE NELLY’S BOUDOIR
Scene 7 – THE RACE TO SNOW WHITE
Scene 8 – THE COTTAGE EXTERIOR
Scene 9 – SONG SHEET
Scene 10 - THE ROYAL WEDDING
Song List
ACT ONE
Song 1 – OVERTURE
Song 2 – DON’T STOP ME NOW
Song 3 – ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Song 4 – 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Song 5 – SYMPHONY
Song 6 – WISH UPON A STAR
ACT TWO
Song 7 – ENTERACTE
Song 8 – THAT’S WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL
Song 9 – DEFYING GRAVITY
Song 10 – TEXAS HOLD EM GHOST GAG
Song 11 – FIGHT SEQUENCE
Song 12 – ABOUT YOU NOW
Song 13 – MUSIC MAN SONG SHEET
Song 14 – I’M A BELIEVER BOWS
Song 15 – ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE REPRISE
