Writer: Eric Potts

Director: Richard Frost

Reviewer: James Higgins

A terrifying and wicked Queen and her magic mirror (Jane Asher) introduced us to the Richmond pantomime of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This was a new production of a Brothers Grimm fairytale made famous by the classic 1937 Walt Disney film.

After the sinister opening the atmosphere quickly changed as Snow White and the Villagers entered proceedings in the spirit of an X-Factor face off. The dance routines where camp and brash but very entertaining.

The set design fitted perfectly and looked as if it had come straight out of the pages of a book. Multi layered back drops, colourful props and exquisite costumes really brought the fairytale to life.

The music was loud but varied, encapsulating everything from Michael Jackson’s “thriller” with Zombies to old fashioned panto send ups with solos in between.

Eventually we got to meet the Dwarfs, and what an entertaining bunch they were. They brought a smile to every theatre goer and were all brilliant. Due to the copyright issues with Mr Walt Disney and his band of travelling lawyers, the Dwarfs had changed their names by deed poll. Cheeky (Ray Griffiths) and Grumbly (Mike Edmonds) both more than lived up to their names and were lead admirably by the prof (Rusty Goffe).

Stephen David as Nurse Norah made a super pantomime Dame and with so many fantastic costume changes it was a struggle for us to keep up. Saphire Elia(Snow White) was quiet and subtle, with her soft voice occasionally lost under the volume of the music.

David Gale (Prince) showed convincing chemistry with Snow White and had a good clear voice, though I did worry during a latter solo that he thought Simon Cowell was in the dress circle. Jane Asher gave a excellent performance delivered in fine rhyme and enhanced by her frighteningly audible diction. Her wardrobe was stunning but not enough to change the mirror’s mind.

Tim Vine as Muddles the court jester brought us humour by the bucketful and kept the audience on it’s toes and laughing to the end, his hilarious improvisation and cheesy one liners had everybody chuckling throughout. Jonathan Shotton delivered a superb slant to his role as the Queen’s magician, for he was indeed a real magician with all sorts up his sleeves.

There is something for all the family in this highly entertaining pantomime production. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !

Runs until Sunday 10th January 2010

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs - Richmond Theatre, 0.8 out of 5 based on 2 ratings

Tags: Dwarfs, Jane Asher, Pantomime, Richmond, Seven, Snow White, Tim Vine