Panto season has pounced on us again... well, why didn't you say so?!
 
Richmond Theatre is currently showcasing 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' until January 10^th, 2010. A few modern twists on a family favourite, it still manages to ring true to the original tale while providing a laugh for the adults and kids alike.
 
Jane Asher receives the wrath of the audience as the Wicked Queen and stepmother of Snow White. While she doesn't have the singing voice of her younger cast, she knows how to hold the attention of the audience and taunt them deliciously.
 
Music wise, original songs from the show such as 'Whistle while you work' and 'Heigh-ho' are infused with singing and dancing numbers based around 'Ghostbusters', 'Thriller' and 'Mercy'. The latter raised a few eyebrows with a slightly raunchy performance by the three male dancers as they twirled and pandered to their Wicked Queen. However, who said Panto was just for children?!
 
Sapphire Elia looks the part of Snow White - petite, pretty and childlike. Sugary sweet, the children love her and are quite happy to warn her of the dangers that lay await on stage.
 
The romance is provided by the handsome Prince, David Gale. Blonde and blue eyed with a solid singing voice, he looks natural on stage and will surely have a fine career ahead of him.
 
The Woodsman is replaced the 'Queen's Magician' which brings a welcome change. Played by Jonathan Shotton - he may actually just be playing himself! A highly regarded and awarded magician, he brings a bit of sparkle to the stage with his classic tricks, jumping between evil and ultimately good.
 
The most interactive of the cast and friend of the audience comes in the form of 'Muddles', played by Tim Vine. He laps up his role as friend of Snow White, who is always 'in a muddle' for the kids, with a tongue in cheek performance for the adults.
 
The ensemble of seven dwarfs have some excellent credentials behind them, provide some great comic banter and are collectively all played by dwarfs.
 
The script and direction are all good, the set design shimmers and the 'Dame' of Panto, Nurse Nora (Stephen David), provides the drag queen fashion and presence to ensure the good times roll.
 
Overall it works fantastically, if a bit routine. However, looking around the theatre, you know why we are all here at this time of year - for the kids, for the families and for the young at heart.