Interview: Ruthie Henshall & Hannah Lowther on SNOW WHITE at New Wimbledon Theatre

We were lucky enough to speak to some stars of the upcoming New Wimbledon Theatre pantomime, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, at the venue’s recent press launch. Next up, we have musical theatre legend Ruthie Henshall who will be playing The Wicked Queen, and TikTok and musical theatre star Hannah Lowther as Snow White.

Ruthie, you’re known in the theatre world as a triple threat performer and have played some iconic roles. What has been your favourite stage role to date?

My favourite stage role, I would have to say, is Crazy For You, which was a long time ago! It was song, dance, acting and musical comedy at its absolute best, with Gershwin songs and Susan Stroman’s choreography. Then I think that Chicago and Les Mis come fairly swiftly after that.

Hannah, you went from making Tik Tok videos during lockdown to a West End role in Heathers, tell us about that?

Oh, where to start! So literally this time last year, I was still working at Tesco, making TikTok videos, because I didn’t really see my musical theatre career going anywhere. We were in the middle of lockdown, but then my videos started getting views, which was really surprising because I was just doing it for fun and out of boredom - none of my colleagues really understood what all the references were! I thought, someone must appreciate this, lets put it on TikTok and then it just started from there. That then led on to me building a platform for myself online and then I got cast in Heathers, which was amazing!

Has performing always been something you wanted to do as a career?

Hannah: Yes! As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to perform as a career. I did some shows when I was a kid in London and I remember looking up to the older cast members and just thinking they are so cool. I always went to dance classes when I was younger. 

Ruthie, you’re appearing in your first pantomime this year. What made you decide this was the right time to move into the panto world?

Ruthie: Because I’ve never done it before, and it was a Wimbledon pantomime. Wimbledon is the one that everyone wants to do so when they asked, I thought it was time. I’m absolutely ready for it!

What can audiences expect from your Wicked Queen this year?

Ruthie: Well, I think expect the unexpected! That’s what I think is so wonderful about panto. You get the script and you kind of know where you’re going, but then you’ve got this incredible opportunity where you’ve got no fourth wall, you’ve got an audience that you can play with and play to and I think that that’s going to give it so much more meat.

What can audiences expect from this year’s panto at the New Wimbledon Theatre?

Hannah: They can expect lots of Christmas spirit, lots of staginess, some banging tunes and just fun times! #funtimes

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre from 3-31 December, with tickets available here.