Snow White
Format: Pantomime
Genre: Comedy
Floral Pavilion Theatre and Martin Dodd for UK Productions Director: Andrew Margerison
Photo Credit: Brian Roberts
Cast: Claire Sweeney, Luke Walsh, Naomi Gisbey, Sean Jones & Philip Meeks
Review Date: December 7 2019
Performances: December 7 2019-January 5 2020, 10am, 1.30pm & 7pm
Location: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
Duration: 150 Minutes incl. an interval
Age Rating: 3+
Dry ice, theatrical music (especially the harp), lots of excited children, Christmas cheer and plenty of popcorn meant only one thing – it’s panto time!! “Oh yes, it is!” The Floral Pavilion was made up appropriately for Snow White, with the entrance to the auditorium decorated to resemble an enchanted wood.
Synopsis
The children were full of anticipation, many had dressed up in costumes and the curtains opened to tell us the sad tale of Snow White (Naomi Gisbey), who had to fend for herself after the wicked Queen (Claire Sweeney) finished off her mother to get her claws on the King who we never meet but didn’t last long anyway.
Snow White and her only friends Muddles (Sean Jones) and Nurse Dolly (Philip Meeks) were informed by the Queen that the hunky Prince Frank of Fazakerley (Luke Walsh) was on his way for a visit and she was very keen to make him the next Mr. Wicked Queen. However, the Prince bumps into Snow on the way and falls head over heels in love with her, which causes a few problems. The magic mirror lets the Queen know she isn’t the fairest anymore and, in a rage, the Queen orders Muddles and Nurse Dolly to take her into the enchanted forest, kill her and bring back her heart. Of course, that doesn’t happen and Snow escapes into the forest where she comes across the Dwarfs’ home.
The dwarfs return after a day in the mines and are surprised to find Snow White fast asleep in their bed. When they hear her story, they agree to help her and she moves in. The dwarfs are played by genuine little people which is great, and they really bring the seven dwarfs to life, each one with their own special personality.
Analysis
Throughout the show, the singing and dancing was brilliant, the costumes were amazing (especially those of Nurse Dolly!), and the show was thoroughly enjoyable. There are enough gags suitable for the older members of the audience (e.g. Specsavers opening a new shop downtown next to Boots, who are next to Greggs, so talk about Specs, Drugs and Sausage Rolls!).
Clare Sweeney pulls off the roll of the glamorous Wicked Queen with accomplished singing that reminds us of the success she has both in the UK charts and on stage in successful West End musicals. Sean Jones is a great sidekick and keeps things moving and Philip Meeks is camper than Pontins as Nurse Dolly, giving a very professional performance.
Luke Walsh and Naomi Gisbey have some excellent song and dance numbers together, and the choreography of cast including the Villagers is wonderful. Great lighting and scenery add to the atmosphere.
By the second half of the performance, things had settled down a little more, and the audience seemed to appreciate the gags better as the children joined in with the shouting. The usual panto sweeties were thrown in to the crowd and we also had a bit of fun being sprayed with water!
Highlights included a very amusing performance of The Twelfth Day Of Christmas with some interesting props and the singing and dancing by the children and young people from the Hoylake School of Dance who were very talented and like true professionals didn’t miss a beat.
Summary
Apparently, someday my Prince will come, but in the meantime, I had a very enjoyable evening at Snow White, which is suitable for children and the young at heart of all ages!
Notes
Target Audience: Ages 5-12
Content: 0/5 – No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs runs at Floral Pavilion until Sunday January 5 2020. To buy tickets, click here or call 0151 666 0000.
