Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – St Helens Theatre Royal

Panto season has landed upon us in the North West. Last night’s offering was Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Held at the Theatre Royal St Helens. A production produced by Regal Entertainments. This was a star studded cast bringing Christmas festivities this season.

The show opened with the Wicked Queen (Maureen Nolan), wondering who the fairest of the land is. The Queen then summons ‘The Mirror’ (Leanne Campbell). The Queen (at least for now) was the fairest of the land. But only until Snow White (Chantelle Morgan) turns 18. This would lead to an evil plan to make sure The Queen remained the fairest of the land. Meanwhile, The Prince (Emrhys Cooper) of Coronationville, has been set out to find his new Princess and his first love has led him to Snow White. To keep the audience entertained they were taken by the hand to a journey of belly aching laughter by panto and Theatre Royal regulars Muddles (Lewis Devine) and Nurse Nelly (Richard Aucott).

The Pantomime had some unexpected and lovely surprises. Such as some entertaining and very clever doggies from Jean Leopold and Doggy Delights. Finally, the dwarfs played by Johnny Vegas, Pete Price, Joel Ross, Louis Emerick, Craig Phillips, John May and the Queen of Scotty Road.

The pantomime was very good and audiences loved the immersive element of the pantomime. There wasn’t a moment where the audience felt left out. Emrhys has definitely been one of the best Prince’s seen at the Theatre Royal, he wasn’t afraid to be silly and have fun. As was Chantelle Morgan who was the winner of the open casting call. I do hope that the theatre do more of those casting calls because we saw some real talent shine in front of the best audience’s a St Helens audience. There were in my view some technical issues. It seemed that the music track was so what louder than the singers so sometimes it was hard to make out the lyrics. I do feel as well that the pantomime could be better with a live band as opposed to backing tracks, as live music takes it all to another level to get the audience up and dancing. Finally, I was a bit confused as to who Lewis’s character was as he said it was Muggles but the program says Chester the Jester.

I’m clutching at straws for faults here, it was a brilliant production with a cast that cares and puts the audience first. Go and see this production while you can, as this cast is a real treat with relevant jokes for the festive season a real stocking filler.

Snow White continues at the Theatre Royal until 12th January 2025. For performance times and tickets visit https://www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com/show/873656214/

Reviewer: Luke Stephenson

Reviewed: 4th December 2024

North West End UK Rating: 4