The classic fairy tale of Snow White, where kind-heartedness defeats evil intention, provided the perfect vehicle for another classic New Theatre Royal Christmas pantomime at the opening night of the Lincoln venue’s latest festive offering. Guests of the theatre, the two eldest minis quickly became immersed in the magical world, enjoying the colourful costumes, energetic dance routines, laugh-out-loud tomfoolery and the opportunity for enthusiastic interaction.
In fact, the opportunity for audience participation came even quicker than the script allowed for when a stray pyrotechnic effect threatened to burn down Fairy Forget-Me-Not’s woodland setting just seconds into the show and cries of “your tree’s on fire” could be heard coming rather urgently from the back of the auditorium – extra applause to actress Althea Burey, along with the stagehand, for handling the situation with great aplomb as well as for all the fire-based ad libs that the cast then inserted into the rest of the show.
Isn’t that the joy of live theatre and especially pantomime? If it wasn’t, I’m quite sure that Patrick Monahan wouldn’t have been cast as Muddles. My nine year old’s favourite, you definitely get the feeling that he’s keeping the cast as well as the audience on their toes and ensuring that no two shows will be the same.
Top of my son’s favourite parts of the show, and also another hit with my daughter, were the dwarfs, their modern names and the train they made their entrance on.
Willow loved both the Enchantress of the Mirror and her fabulous outfit and they both enjoyed the singing frog popping up at the front of the stage, how funny Nurse Nelly was, all of the songs and how evil the wicked Queen was.
The production certainly took advantage of Amelia Lily’s impressive vocal talent, as well as that of her fellow cast members, including many well-known songs with adapted lyrics to suit the storyline.
As well as Lily, mummy’s favourite was Louis Smith. Having made his stage debut in last year’s NTR pantomime Aladdin when he relished the role of the evil Abanazar, Smith has gone from villain to victor this year with ease, portraying a natural relaxed charm that connects with the audience ensuring they’re on his side, ready to laugh with him or cheer him on as the story unfolds. And I also enjoyed Sophie Towns’s portrayal of the titular character, giving her a bit of spark alongside her kindly innocence.
As the great fun the cast seemed to be having themselves proved quite contagious, the minis were excitedly engaged the whole way through with huge smiles on their faces in between the vehement retorts they were making to the traditional panto prompts.
Marvellously silly, sweet and superb in equal parts, it was an evening of pure entertainment that was both comical and warm-hearted.
Have you got your tickets? Snow White runs at the Clasketgate theatre until January 5th 2025. Book online at New Theatre Royal Lincoln or call the box office on 01522 519999.
See also:
Willow meets the stars of Snow White
The fairest panto of them all
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