Dale Superville, Megan Bancroft, Emily Stanghan, Samuel Knight and the Junior Chorus of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Photo: Robert Workman

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Mercury Theatre, Colchester

1 December 2017

5 Stars

BOOK TICKETS I worry far too much about things, mainly things I have no control over. Trumps tweets, for example. Sometimes I even worry that the Mercury’s Panto will not be as good as last year. Well, I can give a verdict on that matter. It’s not as good as last year- it’s even better! Writer and Director Daniel Buckroyd’s production is a masterclass on how to stage the perfect pantomime! We know the plot, but the story has been adapted so well to suit our times, and the music is wonderful.

Dale Superville and Antony Stuart Hicks in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Photo: Robert Workman

Returning to the Mercury stage for the third year in a row is the hilarious double act of Dale Superville, here playing Muddles, and the Dame, Nurse Nellie, played by Antony Stuart-Hicks. I am no expert in this field, but I am prepared to say that I think Stuart-Hicks is one of the best, if not THE best Dames in the business. I would say he has the audience in the palm of his hand, but he would only make much rude mileage out of that! From the moment he comes on, the audience are rolling with laughter at his caustic wit, (you do not want to be on the end of his Scouse tongue-ooer!), and gasping at the wonderful costumes the Dame fashions. When Superville comes on as her “son” Muddles, the comedy doubles, as he is a fire cracker of energy and fun. The warmth that greet them is testament to the fact that they have worked hard to build up the following they now have.

Gbemisola Ikumelo, James Dinsmore and Carli Norris in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Photo: Robert Workman

Yet the formidable comedy double act don’t get it all their own way this year. Step forward the excellent Carli Norris as the wicked Enchantress, who clearly has a ball being the baddie. She winds the audience up joyously, does a great Eastenders old lady, (she was in the soap after all), and you almost begin to not want to boo her- she is terrific! #almoststealstheshow! Gbemisola Ikumelo is a feisty, street wise Fairy Blossom, and makes a great connection with the audience, Megan Bancroft a delightful Snow White, and Alex Green a loveable Rupert. The seven dwarfs, without giving too much away, are brought to life by skilful puppetry, and are original and funny, they reminded me a little of Dad’s Army!

Alex Green and the Junior Chorus of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Photo: Robert Workman

Special mention must go to the superlative wardrobe team, who have created the most gorgeous costumes, and the technical creatives who have done magic with the set, lighting and sound. Where the only Trump you will hear will be a hysterically timed fart noise, this show will lift your spirits and send you out into the cold air feeling like a summer’s day! Besiege the box office, because ticket sales broke records before the run started- snap up those tickets now!

Until 14 January 2017

BOOK TICKETS FOR SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS