Writer: Alan McHugh
Director: Kathryn Rooney
Choreography: Jane McMurtrie
If it’s classic panto you’re looking for, then look no further than the King’s in Glasgow. This year’s traditional offering is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Helmed yet again by Glasgow’s golden panto duo Elaine C. Smith (Nurse Bella) and Johnny Mac (Muddles), this year they’re joined by another Glasgow favourite Darren Brownlie (The Man in the Mirror) a stand-out star for many years at another Glasgow theatre The Tron.
A huge party is planned in Glaswegia, Snow White is about to turn 21 and take the throne, but, of course her evil step mother has no intention of relinquishing her position, and has other plans to cling on to power. Queen Cranachan enchants Bella and Muddles and sends them into the woods to kill poor Snow White. Thankfully Snow White’s loyal chums band together to ensure that love prevails.
Much of the evening’s action is centred on Smith and Mac’s routines which follow the familiar misunderstandings and physical comedy. There are the usual pop-culture references, though some are a little out-dated. Overall it’s a mixed bag: some patter lands on the mark, some falls short. Some scenes outstay their welcome or stretch the laughs to their thinnest. That said, the central pair are extremely comfortable with one another and the banter flows easily.
Stand-out again is Darren Brownlie, the twirling, swirling, magnificently clad Man in the Mirror who wrings every gram of entertainment out of his every scene.
The set and costume design are standard fare, the usual eye-jarring colour palette, the costumes a little lacking in panto sparkle, save for Brownlie’s magnificent creation.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs delivers what is always promised at The King’s, a big, traditional family panto with songs, jokes and dancing that appeal to the masses. However, one can’t help wish for a bit more originality, some breaking of the traditional norms. When you have such talent on stage, it’s a shame not to use it.
Runs until 7 January 2024 | Image: Richard Campbell
The Reviews Hub Score
Classic and traditional
