Lesley Joseph as the Wicked Queen
Last year's pantomime was a tough act to follow. That Theatre Royal production boasted the Hoff, our Sue and even Nev the Bear's sidekick. Could casting pull in the stars to rival such a dream team?
Well, top of this year's bill is the ever-engaging Lesley Joseph. That's right, the snooty one from Birds of a Feather. As the Wicked Stepmother she is on splendid villainous form. Funny, camp, even a tad scary, well if you're under ten, that is. She holds the audience's attention with all the skills of a seasoned campaigner. When out-of-character Lesley brings an infectious warmth to the stage. There's also a delicious moment when she flies over the auditorium, off to kill Snow White when, actually, she is genuinely frightening.
The second celebrity-in-tights is Sam Attwater, formerly of EastEnders and winner of Dancing on Ice. Sam is cast as the hero, Prince William of Wollaton, handsome, fleet of foot, able to carry a tune and with a strong sense of comedy.
Ben Nickless as Muddles and Andrew Ryan as Nurse Nellie
Interestingly, this year's Theatre Royal panto seems to ease back on the skits and routines, in favour of the story. Just a tad. There are still great dance numbers, including a nod to that very underrated kids' movie Hocus Pocus. Lesley might not be Bette Midler but she makes an ace witch nevertheless. I Put a Spell on You is just one of the foot-stomping numbers. Meanwhile, we're up to our eyeballs in laughs and gags, thanks to the fool Muddles (Ben Nickless) and pantomime dame Nurse Nelly (Andrew Ryan). This comedy duo hold together the story with aplomb. The audience is hanging on their every punch line and funny face. Eye-popping costumes, fake boobs, stuffed codpieces and saucy jokes all round. 'Did you find the gypsies' camp?" quote, unquote.
Indeed, all the pantomime staples are here: the seven dwarves, the fairyland scenery, kids dressed as woodland animals. And, not least, a very impressive, nostril-steaming dragon, who also roars out over the stalls. The script works in enough Nottingham jokes to appeal to the locals. Oh, and there's a surprise, uncredited guest star as the Mirror. Kind of beamed down from telly heaven. Who you ask? Our lips are sealed, but think Chigwell!
The script could have made more of the scene where Snow White (charmingly played by Emilie Du Leslay) is abandoned in the night forest. Just the right atmosphere for some menacing furry animals, shadows, glowing eyes, that kind of thing. Never mind, the play is bursting at the seams with laughter, music and dance.
This is a solid performance from start to finish. The packed crowds clearly loved every moment. A great trip into town for families, the young-at heart and anyone who loves Christmas.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves plays at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal from Saturday 6 December 2014 to Sunday 11 January 2015
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