‘The Fairest Panto in All the Land…’ Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Churchill Theatre, Bromley. 05.12.2017
It had been 4 years since I had been to a Pantomime, so when invited to attend Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at one of my local theatre’s the Churchill, in Bromley, it wasn’t long till I accepted! What better way to get into the Christmas sprit!
Tonight I was based in Row K seat 11, for once more to the right hand side of the stage, the full stage could be seen and faces visible. But then I knew this would be the case.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, tells the tale of Princess Snow on her 21st birthday. Evil Queen Lucretia, sees that Snow is standing in her way of being the fairest of them all, plans to get rid of her. But with the support of her the Dwarfs, Nurse Nancy, Muddles, and her Handsome Prince, good will conquer evil any day! Its a true fairy tale that everyone knows and love.
One thing you hear often when Pantomime season comes round, is many young teens/adults are reluctant to now participate and attend this shows. But after viewing tonights production, I was smiling along with the kids! I think its because when you are little you don’t tend to recognise how many jokes and innuendos are brought into these pantomimes, as a kid it would have blown over my head but tonight I was chuckling away – especially during the DVD scene! That’s not to say it was all this way, as again there was plenty of moments for the children – such as the shows rendition of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and the classic shouting of ‘Oh no your not,’ cheering on the hero’s, and booing of the villains – they clearly were enjoying a first glimpse of theatre. Director Gary Lloyd really out did himself, making sure that this show has something for everyone!
One things for sure the show looked great too, the costumes, set, special pyro effects it all really knocked it out the park, but also the singing and dancing was top knotch! I loved their personal take on the Seven Dwarfs, or should I say ‘The Magnificent Seven’ with seven actors taking on the roles performing them on their knees with puppetry legs attached (similar to how Lord Farquard is performed in Shrek), it worked really well and cleverly done! Each of the performers looked natural, taking on their individual roleswith class and continuity.
The cast tonight was:
Queen Lucretia – Jessie Wallace
Muddles – Pete Firman
Nurse Nancy – Jason Sutton
Prince Benedict of Bromley – Oliver Tompsett
Snow White – Naomi Cowe
The Magnificent Seven – Joshua Harwood, Michael Gardiner, Luke Haley, Richard Johnston, Kaine Ruddach, Cameron Vear, Oliver Williams
Emsemble – Luke Bennett, Bethany Hunt, Danielle Jenkinson, Mariella Mazzilli, Zach Parkin, Zinzile Tshuma.
Jessie Wallace leads the cast tonight, known for her role in BBC EastEnders she takes playing the evil queen in her stride! You can tell that she is really loving playing the baddie, she took on Panto comedy like no other, making sure she got the laughs and audience involvement she greatly deserved. Another thing is she has a great set of pipes on her, having known this from seeing her in Chicago, it was clear that she could sing, even when swinging bog rolls – you’ll have to see to understand! Along Jessie, was Pete Firman who played Muddles, known for is comedy ways and magical skills he defiantly brings this to the stage for all the audience to love! But keep your shoes on your feet, if you can! He had the audience chuckling the most and his partnership with his ‘mother’ Nurse Nancy played by Jason Sutton – who excelled as the dame, was a delight to watch. There Ipod shuffle scene was a personal highlight, you can really see how much they are enjoying it on stage!
New debut Naomi Cowe took on the title role of Snow White, innocent and sweet, with the skills to act, skin, and dance. The audience warmed to her instantly, supporting her through her story! Her Handsome Prince was none other than West End Star Oliver Tompsett,QDOS has really out done themselves on their casting of this Pantomine. Oliver slayed every song he sang, which is something I can listen to always! But it was great to see him in a different role, which you can see he is enjoying too. He had the charisma, charm, and looks for the Prince, but his involvement in each of the comic moments – literally having the shirt ripped off him, had the audience in tears of laugher! He is always a pleasure to watch.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a guaranteed laugh out loud, entertaining pantomime. Keeping with the traditions, but also giving itself a unique take to make it its own. One for all ages, and something for all, if you want to get into the holiday spirit, this is the perfect pantomime to view! Playing at the Churchill Theatre now until 31st December, for all ticket information go here.
