This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub: https://www.thereviewshub.com/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-marlowe-theatre-canterbury/

There are few Christmas traditions better, or more dazzling, than the dazzling Marlowe Theatre panto, which makes yet another triumphant return this festive season with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

It is a pantomime full of fun gags and popular culture references, including a brilliant, The Traitors-inspired surprise, with one terrific cameo for the Magic Mirror that instantly delights. Yet what it also succeeds in is retaining the charm and spirit of the Marlowe Theatre pantomimes that have come before it. Writer and director Paul Hendy brings together a good blend of familiar gags (such as the traditional Marlowe Theatre bench gag in honour of iconic Dame Dave Lee) with new and magical visual effects to keep the festive feast fresh at the theatre.

Strictly finalist and Miranda star Sarah Hadland’s Wicked Queen is instantly boo-worthy, with Hadland leaning into the over-the-top villainous role well. This is a commanding performance as the pantomime’s menacing Queen, though the script also gives Hadland a chance to show off a strong vocal range and her excellent Strictly moves. Hadland’s Shirley Ballas impression gets some big laughs, while the sight of the Wicked Queen flying over the audience as Hadland blasts out Alice Cooper’s ‘Poison’ is one of the show’s many highlights.

One of the reasons this pantomime, like those that have come before it, is so successful is the instant family feeling it offers. By bringing in many of the same performers each year, there is a familiarity to each show that makes it immediately likeable, and almost a relief when these figures appear once again on stage to bring Christmas cheer.

Returning for his 17th year at the Marlowe, Ben Roddy goes from strength to strength as the outrageous Nurse Nellie. Roddy’s portrayal pokes fun at his long-running streak at the theatre, yet with every big costume Nellie wears (designed by Ella Haines) comes an even bigger laugh, with Roddy continuously holding the audience’s attention and their laughter in the palm of his hand.

Roddy combines superbly with a returning Phil Gallagher, who thrives in the ‘Muddles’ role. Gallagher, as the pantomime’s ring-leader, quickly brings the audience with him, delivering goofy one-liners and slapstick physical comedy with expert ease. Gallagher is supported by Marc Pickering, also returning to the theatre, whose portrayal of the Elton John wannabee Herman Von Badapple threatens to steal the show, especially during a terrific, fever-dream-esque, Elton John medley towards the show’s finale.

There is also a return for the show’s musical director, Chris Wong, who has led the pantomime’s music for over thirty years. Over time, it has been fantastic to see Wong get more and more involved in the show, which continues this year, cementing Wong as just an integral part of the show as its performers.

Meanwhile, Mia Kobayashi’s sweet Snow White and Kane Oliver Parry’s dashing Prince Charming both move the piece’s plot along nicely, while the seven dwarfs (Maggie Sharp, Paddy Holden, Liam Roche, Simon Charnier, George Coppen, Geoffrey Sergison, Hassan Taj) are instantly charming and very funny. These performers combine well with an energetic ensemble who work tirelessly to bring Ebony Clarke’s exceptional choreography to life.

With dazzling dancing, gorgeous sets, terrific jokes and an exceptional cast, the Marlowe Theatre panto continues to find a winning formula that sees yet another pantomime land with success. It is the perfect way to kick off the festive season, and a magical Christmas party that will keep you in the Christmassy mood all the way into the New Year.