Mirror, Mirror on the wall, where’s the fairest panto of them all? Well, if you head over to the King’s Theatre in Glasgow for this year’s pantomime classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, you’re sure to find out! Panto season is off to a roaring start and if you want fun-family entertainment that everyone will enjoy then Alan McHugh’s version is a must. Set in the fairy-tale land of ‘Glaswegia’ we join returning favourites Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac along with a full and vibrant cast on this magical, spell-binding adventure playing until January 7th, 2024!
Returning to the King’s stage is Glasgow’s very own Elaine C Smith as Nurse Bella. Smith brings warmth, charm, and that wit we all know and love to the dame of this story and is a force to be reckoned with. Entering via air ambulance, we are given a nod to our beloved NHS as she shines in a sparkly green jumpsuit, making an entrance we won’t forget. Her flare for comedy and breaking of the fourth wall is something the audience hungers for and she does not disappoint, but there is a softer side to our Dame…A heart touching duet between Bella and Snow White in Act 2 is one to look forward to and we won’t say any more about it!
Joining Smith onstage for most of the show is the loveable and laughter-filled Muddles played by Johnny Mac. No stranger to the King’s panto stage, he returns this year as Nurse Bella’s dim-witted but kind-hearted son, bringing laugh upon laugh to the story. Mac’s cheeky grin, hilarious antics, skits, and gags were a delight to adults and kids alike. The partnership between Mac and Smith was a joy to watch and they complement each other well. Full of audience participation and silly one-liners I too felt the need to say, “I’m enjoying myself!”
Bringing the glitz and the glamour to the story was our Man in the Mirror played by the energetic and talented Darren Brownlie. The flamboyant, sassy Manny brought not just humour but moves and choreo aplenty. Playing out skits with two legendary performers is by no means an easy task but Brownlie did it to perfection. The right amount of give and take made this trio unstoppable. Full of wedgie banter and so much pizzazz he’s a joy to watch, that bloke fae River City!
The fairest in the land, Snow White, is played by Blythe Jandoo and not only does she bring grace and beauty to the stage, but her comedic timing is impeccable, and her voice is outstanding. Jandoo’s stage presence is apparent, and you can tell she is at home on the panto stage.
But where would a panto be without its villain? Well, taking on the role of Queen Cranachan is theatre veteran Liz Ewing. With Boo’s and Hisses’ aplenty, Ewing embraced the wickedness and even a sultry nature to our tyrant of the story. The evil queen needs more presence whether that’s more stage time or just to be a bit more menacing but her solo number (giving us a flashback to Netflix’s hit show Wednesday) with a great dance routine, makes the character less forgettable.
The charming and charismatic Prince Calum is brought to us by Christopher Jordan-Marshall. The audience are able to witness not only his dashing good looks and charm but his sense of humour and comedic timing along with Jandoo and Mac in a hilarious skit in the woods. He wows the crowd with a Scottish ‘Belter’ of a tune at the beginning of Act 2 and showcases his fabulous vocal skills.
Rounding off the cast are the magnificent seven, the friendly group that help Snow hide from the evil queen. Although limited stage time, the seven were a welcomed addition to this year’s line-up joining the ensemble in routines and showcasing dance skills (especially from Noisy).
Musical Direction from Josh Sood was everything you could wish for. Lots of popular hits including a few of Scotland’s own to get the audience on their feet, accompanied with some typical Disney classics that the whole family will know all too well.
Vibrant and beautifully designed, Teresa Nalton and Ron Brigg’s costumes were a joy for the eye. Colourful, full, and extravagant is just what you want, to be lifted out of the real world and right into the middle of a fairy-tale.
Lighting, Sound and Special FX were in abundance. Andrew Exeter (lighting), Mike Thacker (Sound) and Twins FX’s (special effects) amazing designs were very much a part of the production. Fantastic changes and seamless transitions, without them it would be very hard to be fully immersed in the production. The flying jetpack at the end of Act 1 might not have been needed but it was a spectacle that got the kids talking.
Ian Westbrook’s set design was full of colour and practicality. Sparkle and vibrancy is what you want from your typical panto but the grandeur and amount of set made for a fuller stage which gives it the professional finish it needs.
Choreography by Jane McMurtrie showcased by the ensemble and cast is what you would expect, lots of couple dance moments but the added BSL movements encased in some of the routines were a welcomed surprise.
Kathryn Rooney’s direction of this production was spot on. Letting Smith and Mac have free reign when necessary but still showcasing structure and the plot to keep the story running smoothly.
Snow White at the King’s was a joyous spectacle for all the family. Full of laughter, fun and tender moments, you will experience the thrill of theatre at its finest. The tradition of pantomime is alive and well and if you want to experience the nostalgia or just a fun-night out then a trip to see Snow White is needed.
Grab your tickets while you can!
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs/kings-theatre-glasgow/
Theatre Scotland 
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