Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs | Connaught Theatre Worthing
A handsome prince, a girl dreaming of finding him, and a Wicked Queen determined to stop them – it can only be Panto!
Worthing Theatres has produced a truly wonderful Pantomime this year, with its rendition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It’s another record-breaker for the theatre, following the success of Peter Pan last year, and I have faith that next year’s show will follow suit.
Pantomime is treasured by me. As a child, I would attend a Pantomime every Boxing Day with my parents, and it was the highlight of the year. For three hours, I would be mesmerised by the sets, stories and songs performed in front of me, and I would remain excited for days afterwards. Having seen Worthing Theatre’s Snow White three times in the past seven days, I think it’s fair to say that it brought back those wonderful memories. It is, without a doubt, the best pantomime I have seen in many years.
As the curtain rises, we meet Queen Grizelda (Niki Evans), who captivates parents and children alike with her incredible stage presence and truly stunning voice. Our story is narrated by the Forest Fairy (Louise Cannon), who helps to ensure the play is well-paced and entertaining at every scene.
As the story progresses, we meet our Dame, Dolly (Simon Howe) and her son, Muddles (Joseph Elliott), who provide the classic slapstick comedy and wordplay jokes required for a wonderful family Pantomime. Our handsome prince – the One and Only Chesney Hawkes – is funny, charming, and very talented indeed. His duets with Snow White (Cassie Compton) make for romantic watching, even with some comedy acting occurring in the background! And who could forget the Seven Dwarfs? Seven children take to the stage, performing with professionalism and precision, drawing much laughter from their physical comedy.
But it’s when Muddles and our henchman, Herman (Richard David-Caine), team up for a scene that we truly see comedy genius from these treasured CBeebies stars and comedians. The moment discussed by everyone as the spotlights fade and the applause settles for the evening, involves David-Caine and Elliott clambering through the audience armed with water-pistols. Not a single person – audience or actor, child or adult – is able to suppress their laughter.
I am certainly looking forward to attending this truly magical pantomime again. I may, however, be bringing my raincoat next time.
☆☆☆☆☆
Reviewer: Hannah Todd