Mansfield

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

4****

Palace Theatre Mansfield

Runs: 2h 45m: one interval: till 6 January

mansfieldpalace.co.uk

Tipped to do great box office and deserves to!

The ever-popular Snow White is back at the Palace Theatre Mansfield, and it’s even better than usual. Writer Andrew Ryan (better known in the Nottingham area as a panto dame) has come up with an unselfish script in which the principals have space to shine – and shine they do.

Moreover, it’s a sparklingly funny one, deftly tailored to adults and tinies alike. An opening gag has Muddles (Adam Moss) leaning on a wishing well. Asked how he is, he replies “I’m feeling well”. And there are some, but not too many, swipes at Trump and Gove.

Snow White herself is played by a petite and blonde Naomi Gisbey. Her duets with the contrasting Prince Frederick (the tall, dark and handsome Andrew Geater) are sung, as is often) in an inappropriate American accent, but they’re good voices. Adam Moss, back in Mansfield as funny man Muddles has terrific ad-libbing rapport with the audience. And he performs some show-stealing routines, notably The Twelve Days of Christmas with the Prince and one of the dwarfs.

Charles Burden, one of the best Dames in the business, makes a welcome return to Mansfield as Nurse Dolly. With a wardrobe of outrageous outfits, designed and made by himself, he’s outstanding. But acting honours, and singing ones too, must go to Sue Holderness as the Wicked Queen. She leads some splendid numbers, for instance, I’ve Put a Spell on You, done with her evil demons.

Song and dance are a strong feature throughout the show. Some super adult dancers are ably supported by youngsters from D@nce Works and Syncopation Performing Arts. And the Seven Dwarfs, complete with all those well-loved Disney songs like Hi Ho, Hi Ho and the wonderful Whistle While You Work, are played by seven real dwarfs.

In a refreshing change from the contemporary practice, there are no 3-D effects in this panto, just visually stunning scenery. Equally refreshing is the free shower we’ve come to expect. This year, with most of the cast involved, it’s even more showery and refreshing than usual.

This one’s reliably projected to do great box office, and it deserves to. It’s Mansfield’s annual panto on top form.

CREDITS

Wicked Queen: Sue Holderness
Snow White: Naomi Gisbey
Muddles: Adam Moss
Nurse: Charles Burden
Prince: Andrew Geater
Soppy: Danny Blackner
Pop: Chris Chapman
Smiler: Bradley Hall
Sneezer: Aaron Haworth
Twitcher: Ben Holmes
Kip: Peter Sunter
Grouchy: Trevor Jones
Villagers: Joshua Clayton, Dan Wilshire, Vanessa Rose Barwick, Maria Jane Ducker, Laura Ellis, Mollie Parr
Children From: D@nce Works and Syncopation Performing Arts

Director: Sarah Redmond
Designer: Jon Harris and Jason Bishop
Lighting Designer: Kevin Greene
Sound Designer: Kirk Jackson
Choreographer: Christy Sparks
Musical Director: George Strickland