Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Hawth, Crawley
Until 31st December
With a beautiful princess, a dastardly villain, a charming prince and a smorgasbord of comedy moments from the Dame. The Hawth Crawley has concocted the recipe for a practically perfect panto this festive season.
This season marks the 12th year of Michael J Batchelor, taking centre stage as Crawleys Dame. Nurse Nellie makes a dramatic entrance having got waylaid elsewhere in town, boasting a vibrant wardrobe which she states is to impress her husband (who could be you if you’re lucky). Nellie never falters on making the audience laugh and keeps the show moving at fast pace keeping the audience fully engaged throughout.
There is something to be found for all ages in this show, although please be warned that if you’ve managed to tear your children away from K Pop Demon hunters to see this pantomime then you haven’t escaped it completely. With a colourful and lively number performed by Snow White (Sydnie Hocknell) bringing the first act to a close.
It’s not just the Dame bringing the laughs, there is also a great comedy turn from Mark Oxtoby as Herman who has a stagey dream. With lots of audience participation, it is a joy to behold Herman living his best life towards the end of the show in a fetching sequined number.
One of the moments which gained the most laughs in the show involved a machine which magically possesses the ability to play a song which reveals your inner thoughts at the touch of a button. With buttons being held by multiple members of the cast this allows for a fast and frantic set of many popular tunes which will be recognised by young and old. This had the children in my party in hysterics as the characters inner dialogues were revealed to the audience.
When Snow White escapes the Wicked Queens clutches and seeks shelter in the forest the audience meet ‘The Seven’. This fabulous collective of actors work brilliantly together to bring their characters to life. With a special mention to Veronica Onu as Loopy. She was utterly charming throughout the show and her interactions with Snow White were heartwarming.
With wonderful support and choreography from a talented ensemble cast, this pantomime really warms the heart and brings the family together this festive season. I find that a family is rarely more united than when in shared dislike of something or someone! The Wicked Queen (Amy Rhiannon Worth) is everything that you could want from a panto villain, ensuring lots of good old-fashioned booing throughout! With her recipe for poisoned apple made up of some very questionable ingredients. To a magic mirror with a treacherous surprise identity, and a stunning voice she really does have it all.
I would heartily recommend that you snap up your tickets for this show as a festive treat for all the family, miss it miss out!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is playing at the Hawth Theatre Crawley until December 31, 2025.
Reviewer: Lisa Dawn
Photos: Jon Rigby