Dwarfs are in abundance at Harpenden Public Halls where Snow White is finding herself with not seven but 16.

Because of the number of performances of the panto between December 12 and 22, two teams of youngsters are needed to play the dwarfs and dance in the chorus.

The Dance Studio is providing the teams of dancers this year and choreographing the routines – its first involvement with Act One Pantomimes which is putting on Snow White.

Two teams of girls – one from Harpenden and one from St Albans – play the seven dwarfs, plus an understudy from each, meaning every scene involving the dwarfs has to be rehearsed twice.

Not only do the youngsters - some as young as six - have to contend with long rehearsals and having to remember numerous dances and actions, they have to do it all wearing wellies and foam dwarf heads with limited visibility.

That has led to some amusing directions from writer/director Chris Law, such as “Girls, can you tuck your beards in?” and “Try not to lose your heads when you’re dancing”.

The experience of performing in panto is one the young dancers are clearly enjoying – especially as they get to dance with Steve Leeds from Nick Junior’s ‘Go!Go!Go!’ who brings a popstar quality to his role as the Prince.

Trying to steal the limelight from the little ones are Sophie Massie as Snow White, Tony Howes as Dotty the Cook, Chris Law as Muddles, Jill Priest as the Wicked Queen and Ernie Almond as Horrible Horace the Henchman.

Although some performances are already sold out, tickets can still be purchased from the box office on 01582 767525 or from the Harpenden Public Halls website www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk./events/snow-white/.