Review: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Royal & Derngate

Review written by Ally Richmond at Toddle About West Northants

A beautifully witty Pantomime for the whole family this Christmas.

We attended a matinee performance of Snow White & the Seven Dwarves at Royal & Derngate with our son and daughters, aged 7, 5 and 3.

There is little that can be said to clue anyone in on what makes a good panto, the show is as much a part of British family Christmas tradition as mulled wine and multi coloured paper crowns; you know you'll get camp humour, audience participation, musical performances and that part where they all sit on a bench and pretend not to see ghosts.

What sets the shows apart are the comedic timings, enthusiasm and effort, and the cast and crew of Northampton's Snow White tick every box like the pros they clearly are. The sparkly joy that had our youngest clapping along is served alongside cheeky 'wink wink' gags aimed at the grown ups, along with references to the Cobblers and Saints that had some dads cheering along.

From Alan Carr's digital presence as the Magic Mirror to the six ensemble dancers energetic choreography in practically every scene, the show is stuffed full of fun from beginning to end.

Not a single dead joke or routine, the cast effortlessly skipped through the play without missing a beat, an impressive accomplishment early in the show's run. Marc Pickering's performance as Herman Von Badapple was absolutely hilarious, his purposefully broad European accent had our whole family giggling every time he spoke.

A Christmas panto may be a staple but it's always a joy to see a show with genuine effort and skill employed in its execution. A great way to spend a couple of hours this festive season; try dragging along the Scroogiest member of your family, I guarantee Pickering and Bob Golding's dame will have them howling by the end.

(Official photographs by Pamela Raith Photography)

 

Performances until 31st December.
Duration: 2hr10 including 20 minute interval
Relaxed performance - Saturday 30th December 1pm
Audio Described - Friday 15th December 7pm and Friday 29th December 1pm
BSL Sign Interpreted - Sunday 17th December 5pm and Thursday 28th December 2pm
Captioned - Tuesday 19th December 7pm

For tickets click here 

Royal and Derngate 
19-21 Guildhall Road
Northampton
NN1 1DP