Writer: Liam Mellor
Director: Chantelle Nolan
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off to St Helens we go to the Theatre Royal! Look no further if you’re ready for some sparkling spectacle, exciting escapism, and lots of laughs, thrown in with some four-legged furry cuteness!
The Theatre Royal’s latest Christmas offering has it all, and more, with Snow White. Once again, St Helens excels in its ability to deliver a masterclass in high quality, traditional pantomime.
Liam Mellor’s writing is face-achingly funny and fast paced, which demands comedic timing and plenty of slapstick which the strong cast keep up with ease. Plenty of topical jokes and local references land perfectly. Familiar Panto routines including favourites such as the 12 days of Christmas, and the pop jukebox storytelling will never get old on the St Helens stage. Despite the return of these tried and tested tropes, everything feels refreshed and revigorated down to the chaotic energy and unexpected mishaps which really bring on the belly laughs.
Legendary singer Maureen Nolan has lots of fun in the role as the Wicked Queen, who relishes in the audiences’ boos at her evil scheming to take down our fairest one of all, Snow White. Chantelle Morgan’s portrayal of Snow White is innocently playful, and ethereal in nature. Morgan’s trusting smile is endearing, and enchanting for the young audience, as she serves the epitome of a Princess.
Emrhys Cooper fresh from his role as Rowan Cunliffe in Coronation Street delivers a foppish Prince Fredrick, his Marvel-esque entrance adds to the awe and romance, with his desire for Snowy leading the pair to sing some lovely duets including a beautiful rendition of the Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars hit ‘Die with a Smile.’
Richard Aucott is back as saucy Nurse Nelly, the beloved Theatre Royal dame who is adorned with a fabulous array of deliciously camp attire, a visual feast of fashion. Show stealer Lewis Devine as the loveable Muddles, who year on year brings his unwavering energy and comedic brilliance which is nothing but a joy to watch.
The creative technical inclusion of the seven dwarfs and fan favourite Leanne Campbell as the Magic Mirror is effective and works really well. The dwarfs, are voiced by a line-up of local legends, including Johnny Vegas (Smiler), Joel Ross (Chatty), Pete Price (Pricey), Louis Emerick (Brookie), Craig Phillips (Chippy), Queen of Scotty Road (Gobby), and John May (Dozy). Their presence, along with the various dancing woodland animals (courtesy of the brilliant Dance Dynamix dancers), adds to the magic and spectacle in creating some traditional tableaus reminiscent of the 1930s Walt Disney film.
Director Chantelle Nolan, with assistant direction by Kay Nicholson, bring together all the elements in this tech heavy production, the detailed high-quality set design, stunning, breath-taking costumes, and perfectly timed sound effects produce a story book quality, filling the stage with colourful action, including an appearance from Doggy Delights, with the talented Jema and her performing pooches. There is no lull in this energetic, dazzling production, the constant movement and pace hooks the audience, who whoop and revel in its midst.
The finale song, ‘You Give a Little Love’ from Bugsy Malone, declares ‘we could have been anything that we wanted to be’, which in this case, couldn’t be truer, as far as putting on a thoroughly entertaining Panto. Don’t miss it!
Runs until 12th January 2025.
The Reviews Hub Score
Chaotic Panto hilarity
