Director Tudor Davies

Reviewer Iris Beaumont

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs originally written by the well loved Brothers Grimm nearly two hundred years ago, has been adapted through the years for many books, films and pantomimes, one significant change was when the late Walt Disney added the Seven Dwarfs, this allowed producers a virtual free license to create many a magical show like this one.

For anyone who is not too familiar with the story of Snow-white and the Seven Dwarfs, it is all about a little princess (Snow-White) played by Gemma James and her life with her evil step mother Queen Lucrietia played by the well known and mean mouthed star of Strictly Come Dancing – Craig Revel Horwood, (It was not until he actually spoke that you realised it was him, as the make-up and his costumes designed by Hugh Durrant were spectacular). They live their lives in relative peace, until Snow White grows up to become more stunningly beautiful than her Stepmother, that the story takes a dramatic turn.

Revel Horwood played the role with so much gusto and his quick fire remarks about the Strictly Come Dancing show and its stars lead to much laughter and applause amongst both the old and the younger members of the audience.

Gemma James’ as Snow was fantastic and her voice was a pleasure to listen to, she really held her own throughout the whole show. Muddles, Prince Harry and Chambers played by John Evans, Mark Evans and Ian Dring respectively gave outstanding performances. Muddles who is secretly in love with Snow White had the children enthralled by his antics; whilst Prince Harry was obviously having so much fun playing the part. Chambers the Queen’s evil Henchman kept the whole audience spellbound and you were never sure until the end just whose side he was actually on.

The Pearl Shaw School of Performing Arts took on the roles of the Seven Dwarfs and the various animals in the forest and with their dancing and singing were a joy to watch unlike some stage school children, these talented yongester were enjoying themselves and their faces radiated the whole time they were on stage. Many congratulations to them for they put their hearts and souls into the performance.Special mention must go to Paul O’Grady for his role of Queen Lucrietia’s mirror an excellent interpretation. With no cost spared, the scenery in this show was phenomenal especially the Evil Queens apartment – it was lavishly decorated and gave the impression of a very grand palace.

I travelled 100 mile round journey to review this show and it was with trepidation that I entered the theatre, having not seen a pantomime for more years than I care to remember. In all honesty this has to be one pantomime I would willingly watch again. It had me laughing and crying and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening. I would recommend anyone looking for a family show this Christmas to go along and see Snow White, it is money well spent and jolly good evening’s entertainment will no doubt prevail.

runs until 3rd Jan 2010

Tags: Craig Revel Horwood, Dwarfs, Llandudno, Pantomime, Seven, Snow White