Review: SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, Lichfield Garrick
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
Panto season is well and truly under way as we take a trip to Lichfield Garrick, Besties!
This year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, written by Paul Hendy, sees the traditional story of Snow White and her jealous stepmother, who hatches a plan to kill Snow White so that the young Prince Charming will marry her, but the plan goes wrong and she ends up in the forest, where seven dwarfs find her and offer her shelter in their cottage.
This year’s seven are: Sarge (Dean Whatton), Groover (Liam Roche), Striker (George Coppen), Cheeky (Jack Hilton), Loopy (Issac Natoli), Sniffly (Geoffrey Sergison) and Brian (Brian Wheeler), who all play their individual traits brilliantly and have a great rapport with one another and with Snow White.
Sam Rabone, Lichfield Garrick favourite, returns as Nurse Nellie (and also directs), and it’s clear to see why. Having great comedy timing, outstanding storytelling and the audience on side from the off, he’s truly a pleasure to watch. There is also a good relationship between Rabone and George Akid (Herman Von Badapple, the Queens henchman with a heart), becoming a good comedy act when the script dictates or the need arises.
The Wicked Queen, played by Lindsay Bennett-Thompson, is aptly evil, just enough to raise playful boos from the audience without giving the kids nightmares!
Completing the line up are Maria Conneely as Snow White and Daniel Breakwell as Prince Charming. There are some lovely duets between the two, both of whom have strong vocals.
We have beautiful costumes, stand out set design (both by Helga Wood) and laughs aplenty in this production. With lots of musical numbers and dance routines thrown into the mix, it’s obvious why the season has already been extended by an extra week for this talented cast.
Highly entertaining performances all round. A must see for the family this Christmas!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs plays at the Lichfield Garrick until 8 January 2023, with tickets available here.