Written by Charlotte Bee (Grand Ambassador)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is this year’s family pantomime featuring actress Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen, Dancing on Ice star Dan Whiston as the Prince and the hilarious Steve Royle back again to bring the laughs!

Now we all know the story of Snow White, with the pantomime keeping as close to the original story as possible, but with its usual surprises and relevant jokes, making it as accessible to everyone who loves a bit of fairy tale magic and comedy!

It starts with the dancers from Barbra Jackson’s Theatre Arts Centre both children and adults performing a brilliant routine, before getting into the story of Snow White, where we meet all the characters along the way.
Muddles played by Steve Royle, and Nursie played by Jamie Steen are a brilliant double act, adding hilarity and slapstick comedy to the show. (Especially for the mums and dads in the audience)

Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen got the audience going with the usual pantomime boo’s and hisses, also adding some laughs, as unlike the traditional Wicked Queen. She felt a little less wicked, and made you feel slightly sorry for the lonely woman trying her hardest to win the Prince’s love, clearly going through a mid life crisis at the same time.

Dan Whiston as the Prince surprised me with his ability to sing and act, as well as getting to show off his ice skating skills further on in the show. Along with his love, Snow White, played by the stunning Millie Booth, they sang a beautiful duet and were wonderful together, adding the romance to this fairy tale. And no Snow White pantomime is complete without the Seven Dwarfs who march onto the stage instantly winning the hearts of the audience with their quirky characters!

The highlights for me were definitely the 12 Days of Christmas sing along, and Dan Whiston coming on in his skates for a surprise, and a very hilarious performance with the help of Steve Royale. The set was impressive, the costumes were stunning, there was no shortage of props, and definitely no shortage of jokes.

I can’t rave enough about how brilliant this Panto is, and as being a regular attender to the pantomime for as long as I can remember with the usual front row seats, I can say, it really does get better every year. Just when you think it can’t get any funnier, you’re in tears laughing yet again because Steve Royle just comes out with the best lines, and it certainly doesn’t feel like Christmas until you see the magical Grand Theatre Christmas Pantomime!