7 December 2023
The King's Theatre, Glasgow
⭐⭐⭐
The Glasgow King's panto is an institution in the city, with many beloved stars of Scottish stage and screen treading the Christmas boards in years gone by. In recent years, the King and Queen of the King's panto have been Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac, and they are back again this year in glorious, glittering fashion as Nurse Bella Houston and Muddles. They really are a fantastic panto duo with star quality and charisma to spare.
This pantomime may be called 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' but make no mistake, Elaine and Johnny are the stars of the show. The fairytale of the jealous evil queen's quest to rid the kingdom of the beautiful princess Snow White, takes a distinctly back seat to their superb comedy routines and shenanigans.
A fine cast of Scottish actors: Darren Brownlie, Blythe Jandoo, Liz Ewing and Christopher Jordan-Marshall, have the difficult job of trying to tell the actual story.
It's no secret that I adore Darren Brownlie and it's wonderful to see him take on a larger role this year as 'The Man in the Mirror.' Manny even has his own jingle every time he appears on stage. Joy! If anyone deserves their own jingle in life it's Darren Brownlie.
Blythe Jandoo is gorgeous as the elegant Snow White, and she thankfully gets to show off her beautiful singing voice more this year too. Christopher Jordan-Marshall is great as the dashing, if somewhat over-confident, Prince Charming. Together the pair of budding lovers, along with Johnny Mac, have the best scene in the entire show when Mac continuously interrupts their love song 'Everything I do (I do it for you).' Mac's comic-timing and all three's physical comedy in this scene is a pantomime masterclass. I was exhausted just watching. It is expertly done and a real highlight of the show. I don't know how Blythe kept a straight face.
Liz Ewing's Evil Queen is not quite evil enough to elicit any boos from the crowd. Her costumes are stunning and there's no doubt she's a fantastic performer, but the character needs a bit more (dare I say it?) pantomime to antagonise and excite the crowd.
The costumes are exquisite in the entire show, and easily some of the finest I have seen in panto this year. The Act II opening number to Gerry Cinnamon's hit 'Belter' is exactly the kind of big, glittering, ensemble dance number I'm looking for from a Christmas panto. The company of superb dancers get to show off their skills and beautiful costumes here in a lively, dazzling display.
The music throughout the show is wonderful too with lots of recognisable, contemporary songs given a panto twist. All are performed with exuberance and glee by the cast, and by the magnificent King's theatre orchestra led by MD Josh Sood.
On the other hand, I didn't find the pre-interval, big budget tech piece to be as impressive as last year. Although Johnny Mac tried his best to sell it, it just didn't seem to fit with the storyline. And unfortunately the actors playing the seven dwarfs were not all great. Some of the jokes I have heard at multiple pantomimes; and my little sister, who I had taken along to the show, was sad that Snow White didn't feature more.
*spoiler
*[I know we shouldn't be picky about panto plots, and I admit I am spoiled when it comes to festive shows - I am lucky enough to go to a lot of them. But I can't help but wonder why Snow White married the Prince when his kiss didn't wake her? When it wasn't 'true loves kiss'? I know we need a big finalé and traditionally, a wedding, at the end of a panto, but it seems odd to make that point only to then disregard it.]
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Glasgow King's theatre is a good panto, very well produced and presented as always. Most of what I've said above will fly over your children's heads. If it's a big, fun, glittering, traditional panto that you're looking for, then children and adults alike are sure to enjoy this one. It's full of joy and warmth, and Johnny Mac is a panto legend in the making (if he isn't already.)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs plays Glasgow King's Theatre through Sunday 7 January 2024.
⭐⭐⭐
📸 Production photography: Richard Campbell
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Listings
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Saturday 2 December 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
Tickets from £13.00
GROUPS 8+: 0207 206 1174 (charged at standard geographic rate)
ACESSS PERFORMANCES
Relaxed Performance: Thu 14 Dec 2023, 1pm
BSL Interpreted Performance: Wed 20 Dec 2023, 1pm and 7pm
Audio Described Performance: Fri 15 Dec 2023, 7pm
Captioned Performance: Tue 12 Dec 2023, 1pm and Tue 19 Dec 2023, 7pm
🌟REVIEW: Snow White (Glasgow King's Theatre panto 2023)🌟
🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Whether I am invited or not has absolutely no impact on my reviews or star ratings.
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