Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs review: Who is the fairest of them all? Will the handsome prince rescue his princess?
There is nothing more exciting to the child in all of us than a pantomime at Christmas. This was apparent from the expectations and chatter of the children, big and small in the audience as the countdown to the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking began.
Andy Ford works the audience skillfully and carried the adults and children along with him with their eager responses and ready laughter as Herman the Henchman. Muddles (Chris Cox) gives a memorable performance filled with innuendo. Shaun Dalton is a perfect Prince Charming who very ably sings and dances his way successfully through the show. Anne Smith very ably plays Queen Morgiana, and her role of baddie was evident from the start and echoed in the costume she wore. Melissa Potts also gives a great performance as Snow White, and was the perfect image of a princess.
Warwick Davis (Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Life’s Too Short) is outstanding as Prof the head dwarf, and effortlessly helps the show go on its festive way. He is, without doubt, the star of the show and is ably supported by his daughter Annabelle Davis who is also excellent at Loopy.
This pantomime has all the components of a traditional panto. The sets are spectacular and the costumes are stunning with all of their glitz and sparkle, and the fantastic song and dance routines and audience participation means that you will not be disappointed.
Most of the show is sunny and light-hearted, but there were audible intakes of breath from adults and the young children in the scene of Snow White being lost in the woods with the wild animals. This happened again when the Queen transformed herself into an old crone – the backing dancers wearing skull masks which were very dark and frightening to watch, which for me this almost ruined the atmosphere and overall experience.
The finale though was a riot of colour and sparkle, and felt very magical and actually rescued this impressive production. I would be hesitant about taking young children to it, but it is to be recommended to families with older children to get you in the mood for a thoroughly enchanted Christmas.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is running at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until 8th January, 2016.
