Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs at the St Helens Theatre Royal is a fun and exciting remake of the classic story that everyone knows and loves. The show follows the story of Snow White (Chantelle Morgan) as she tries to find true love whilst avoiding the evil schemes of her Step Mother, Queen Latisha (Maureen Nolan). With the help of her friend Muddles (Lewis Devine) and Nurse Nelly (Richard Aucott), Snow sings and dances her way to the heart of the Prince (Emrhys Cooper).
This production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs is a fantastic embodiment of everything a good pantomime should include. With great interpretations of popular songs to move the storyline along, to a dog dance show part way through, this show truly has something to cater for everyone. Despite being aimed primarily at younger age groups, the show also has quite a few jokes aimed towards the adults and older kids scattered throughout. This keeping not only the kids happy, but the adults bringing them too.
As it often is with so many retakes on classics such as Snow White, the storylines can feel repetitive and lacklustre but this performance simply does not miss. Still including all the best parts about panto such as audience participation, cheesy romance and catchy songs, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs still manages to make for one of the best pantomimes I’ve seen.
Cooper and Morgan make for a great pairing as the lead lovers, and Nolan is very entertaining as the Wicked Queen. However, a special mention must go to Devine as Muddles, who stole the show with his fantastic interpretation of everyone’s favourite returning character. The timing on his jokes and the way he interacted with the audience is phenomenal and makes for a great time.
Alongside the performance itself, the production value has a positive impact on the viewing of the show. The set designs (Regal Entertainment Ltd) for each scene of the show are brilliantly done. With darker elements incorporated into scenes where the Wicked Queen was central, versus the more light, airy designs when Snow, Prince Fredrick and Muddles are featured. This was complimented well with the costumes, Snow, of course, wearing her classic colours of white, blue and gold, which contrasted well with the Wicked Queens black and purple dress. The distinction obviously created in the colour schemes, lighting and set design helped the audience to further establish good from evil, and in a show in which children are the main demographic, this is done well.
Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs runs at St Helens Theatre Royal until 12th January.
★★★★★ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by David Munn
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