Josie Dunn tells KATHERINE MACALISTER why she’s so looking forward to playing the lead role in Creation Theatre’s production of Snow White

“Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”

If you thought you knew Snow White then think again. Creation has replaced the submissive sweet, Disney-esque chracter with someone much more 21st century, and she’s waiting for you at the North Wall.

Someone with some verve, character, drive, determination and attitude. And who better to play Snow White than the feisty Josie Dunn, armed with a gleaming pair of DM boots?

"Our Snow White is as far away from the Disney character as you can get. We wanted her to be a real and relevant role model, and absolutely of the moment, so ours stands up for herself. And she is a teenager who answers back, but you can also see her vulnerability," producer Ginny Graham says.

Josie agrees: “Snow White is a bit different, but she’s fun and independent and knows how to enjoy herself. So instead of sitting and cleaning the dwarves house, Snow White suggests they do it themselves while she tells them stories."

Thus nine of the Grimm's fairytales are re-enacted by the Creation cast; some acted, some sung, some told by the ensemble cast who all play multiple characters. “It all adds to the fun even if it is quite ambitious,” Ginny explains.

And for the first time Creation's Christmas show will be performed in the round, with cabaret style tables scattered around the stage as the tales pan out around you. “It’s going to be such an exciting experience for the audience. Anyone who used to come to the Mirror Tent shows will know what to expect, but the North Wall will be turned into a forest, so the audience will be part of Snow White’s world," Ginny adds.

So why Grimm's at Christmas? “There are so many wonderful stories which are full of joy, with a strong moralistic message, and great for families, and we like to be different.

"We also aim to change what came before to stop anything becoming hackneyed so the audience shouldn’t have any preconceived ideas of what to expect," Ginny says.

"But we know from experience what works and last year's Treasure Island was such a success. So while there are lots of pantos around as well, there is room for us all."

So how is Josie feeling about her debut? "I am so excited. It’s a big old show and with two performances a day you just have to launch yourself into it.

"In the meantime we are just going to get out there, have some fun and tell some stories. There is a such an energy about it and the audience helps you through it, so even though it's a big undertaking, I wouldn't change it for the world."

Snow White and other Tales from the Brothers Grimm is at The North Wall Arts Centre, from December 3 to January 7.

thenorthwall.com