THE SHOW went on at the Kenneth More Theatre last night (Monday) despite the wintry weather leaving its new production of Snow White SIX Dwarves short when the curtain was raised.

The evening showing of the Christmas pantomime went ahead in front of an initial audience of just 60 people and without all but one of the youngsters playing its vertically challenged heroes, who were delayed by the snowy conditions.

Vivyan Ellacott, general manager of the theatre in Ilford, said the young cast members continued to appear as the show went on, with the final dwarf being hurriedly put in costume and sent onto the stage the moment they arrived.

He said: "We started off without six of the dwarfs because of the weather.

"In the opening scene all seven of them should have been playing village children and dancing with Snow White but we had just one.

"The next time the village children appeared their were three of them.

"Thankfully, by the time the dwarfs had their first scene they were all there, but it was a very close run thing, with the last dwarf coming hurtling through the stage door and being shoved into a costume and onto the stage."

Mr Ellacott, who directed the show, said alternative plans had been put in place in case of just such an emergency.

He said: "We had contingency plans, which would have involved Snow White for example saying 'now you three dwarfs come with me and you four in the woods - who were unseen - stay here.'

"But luckily all the dwarfs made it in the end, and it was happy ever after."

Around 300 people eventually made it to the theatre to enjoy the show, which was the 35th consecutive pantomime to be staged there involving assistant manager Robert Quarry - who played Ramsbottom.

Snow White is due to run until January 23 with tickets costing £12 for adults and £10 for concessions.

For more information call: 8553 4466 or visit: kenneth-more-theatre.co.uk