SnowWith the opening few minutes featuring a unicorn fairy and a song from The Greatest Showman, New Theatre Royal pantomime audiences will quickly be assured that the show they are about to see is very on trend.

Topical references are littered throughout the production of Snow White including birds that deliver Twitter messages, an X-Factor scene, a sly reference to O2’s recent connectivity issues and an audience-pleasing wrecking ball entrance in the style of Miley Cyrus.

The minis were guests of the city’s theatre for Saturday morning’s performance of the fairytale that included all the traditional elements of such a seasonal show too.

Boasting an all-star cast with X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother star Amelia Lily as the Unicorn Fairy and Prank Patrol presenter Barney Harwood as the Huntsman, we were delighted that CBCC’s Christopher Johnson was returning to the venue as Muddles having enjoyed his performance in the similar role in last year’s pantomime.

SW3

The role of the mystical Magic Mirror was undertaken by a different person or people each time it appeared in an ingenious way to introduce even more, both national and local, famous faces.

SW2Those of us who wouldn’t necessarily recognise the actors from their previous CV entries because our televisions are still stuck firmly on CBeebies can rest assured that each actor throws themselves into their latest stage role with great energy, encouraging as much audience interaction as possible.

And Paige Cook certainly played her part of the Wicked Queen with appropriate venom as my three year old hasn’t stopped telling me how naughty she was and that she needed to go to jail ever since seeing the show.

And there are plenty of other wow moments too – from the dwarfs arrival on a train to the tune of “Hi Ho” Silver Lining, to an aerial silk dancer, to an impressive rendition of What is this Feeling? from the musical Wicked.

SW1We enjoyed the show even more than last year’s production of Aladdin even before we actually ended up in it.  With a couple of children at the last minute thinking better of going up on stage to sing with Muddles, Mummy Malpi enthusiastically volunteered her three year old who was equally keen to take the spotlight.  What Mummy Malpi hadn’t realised is that this year a parent had to go on stage with their child too!  Fortunately for me Muddles was very kind and I’m sure most eyes would have been on Willow, who had borrowed her friend’s Snow White dress to wear for the occasion, and her fellow child volunteer as they confidently joined in with a rendition of 2018’s viral song Baby Shark.

With a narrative that relies on it’s female lead being kind hearted to a fault and being saved by a true love’s kiss, it’s difficult to see how it can be easily updated to portray a  stronger modern woman but a slight twist in the story’s final proposition even ticked that box.

Visitors to Clasketgate’s theatre can be sure of rousing entertainment and a great start to their seasonal celebrations.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs continues at the New Theatre Royal in Lincoln until January 6th.  Find out more here: www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk or call 01522 519999.