12 December – 12 January
“It’s behind you!”
“What is?”
A ghost!”
A ghost?”
“YES!”
“Well, why didn’t you tell me?”
“We DID!”
And so it goes… some things never change, Heigh-Ho! Now in his 22nd Christmas season at the Theatre Royal, award-winning script writer and all-round jester, Jon Monie, has once again grasped the Christmas panto template to conjure another first-class traditional show, laced with up-to-the minute references, quotes and very occasional naughty bits. Working with Musical Director and arranger Joshua Newport, Monie has had great fun adapting classic old and new rock songs into the script. A version of Charlie XCX’s Apple seemed entirely appropriate (as well as contemporary), as the wicked queen approached our unsuspecting heroine with a sparkling, poisoned, red fruit.
As Muddles, son and sidekick to the wonderfully over-the top Dame Dilly Donut, Monie is joined by a strong cast who put pace and conviction into this love-at first-sight story, with its strong moral message of the potential perils of jealousy and greed.
Olivia Birchenough (Chanel 5’s presenter of children’s television Milkshake) brings a certain Northern no-nonsense approach to her Snow White, never quite the vulnerable orphan in need of a prince, but none-the-less quite chuffed when he does show up. George Olney as Prince Frederick super-projected throughout the evening, sizzling out his love for the young woman he has just met in the woods with a fine singing voice matched by that of his amour.
Back for his 25th year in panto, the dame, let’s call him Grand Dame Nick Wilton, is huge fun to watch. Dilly Donut’s clothes alone are hysterical – all pink and blues with monster bows and hearts aplenty, but it’s in Wilton’s immaculate sense of timing and his hints that the poor old thing is getting flustered by the pace that the real laughs come – a masterclass of buffoonery. His partnership with Monie is a great double act.
Giving bite to the whole show is the very excellent Emma Norman as the wicked queen Grimelda – bedecked with her deep purple robe and encrusted crown, her avaricious and narcissistic credentials are plain for all to see in a strong performance that quickly had the younger members of the audience booing at the top of their lungs.
The seven dwarfs, Prof, Stroppy, Disney, Cheeky, Snotty, Whiffy and Dozy brought yet more colour to the proceedings, with Kieran DuMont as Prof and Harrison Taylor as Cheeky playing particularly lively roles as they sought to protect their best new friend, Snow White.
Jon Harris and Jason Bishop’s scenery never compromised on ambition or colour – a castle with portcullis, a huge speaking mirror, a stunningly illustrated ‘Gruesome Grove’, a fold-out woodland cottage – all were powerfully lit by designer Nev Milsom in a way that gave the production a Wizard of Oz quality.
Director Paul Milton and choreographer Harry Lydon have managed to incorporate an ensemble of dancers and children from the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance into the action – a fast-moving tableau of woodland creatures adorned with delightful animal costumes, which are sure to please during the lulls between the queen’s dastardly acts.
This Snow White is guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.
★★★★☆ Simon Bishop, 14 December 2024
Photo credit: Freia Turland
