Malvern Theatres – until 6 January 2019
Our pantomime season has kicked off late this year. However, the first of the festive treats that we’ve been able to attend has surely set the bar high, as a five-star extravaganza and perfect family pantomime – Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Malvern Theatres is not to be missed.
Starring the wonder that is Hi-De-Hi! star Su Pollard, as the Wicked Queen, the show transported me back to the traditional pantomimes I was brought up watching. Thanks to exceptional comedy performances from Pollard, Mark James as Muddles and Philip Meeks as Dolly, there are plenty of laughs to be had and the jokes work on every level, too.
My four-year-old son all but rolled in the aisles with mirth at the physical comedy from James, while I was entertained by the tongue in cheek, political references and occasional overt smut from Meeks who shone in an amazing array of outfits. He was certainly the mistress of quick changes too.
Francesca McKean is a gentile and sweet Snow White, she is the epitome of easy-going, naive Princess. Aidan Banyard possesses the stance, winning smile and qualities of the dashing Prince. The Dwarfs are all glorious, too with Soppy (Charlotte Fawbert) being my favourite. However, it is Pollard who steals the show, a wicked laugh like no other, commanding the stage in her unique way and her vocal ability when it comes to the musical numbers was quite extraordinary.
There are numerous songs moving the action along, a nod towards The Greatest Showman, Shrek the Musical and the hugely successful and popular artist, George Ezra as well as Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Choreography courtesy of Alastair Bull, is eye-catching and befitting for the genre. The scenery provides an atmospheric backdrop suitable for the story and moves seamlessly.
My personal highlight was the Twelve Days of Christmas, performed by Muddles, Dolly, the Prince and Grouchy the Dwarf (Craig Salisbury), it never fails to be a favourite pantomime tradition of mine. The mayhem and chaos of the scene had the audience in fits of laughter. The five toilet rolls gag proved as popular as ever.
UK Productions really know their stuff when it comes to the simplicity and heart of the genre of pantomime and Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs left my party feeling like Christmas had finally begun. Book your tickets now: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs
