It’s panto season once again in Sheffield and this year brings Snow White. With a wonderful cast, a talented band of musicians and wonderful production values, we think this is one of the strongest pantomimes that Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre has put on in several years.

The show opens with an incredibly energetic overture, marking the return (after a year’s absence) of James ‘the most enthusiastic man in showbusiness’ Harrison. He gets the audience warmed up before the show begins and throughout the show gives space for each and every one of his musicians (Danny Hammerton, Evan Dim and Mikey Ciancio) to shine. The band inject each well-chosen musical number with a lot of energy, capably enhanced by Chris Whybrow’s sound design. Whybrow ensures everything is perfectly balanced and is as loud as it should be.

Paul Hendy returns as writer and director and he really showcases his talent here. The show moves at a fast pace, whilst giving space for dramatic moments to land. He finds ways to offer slightly fresh takes on some of the classic panto routines whilst giving the audience exactly what they expect from the Sheffield Lyceum pantomime. Simon Barnum’s choreography is well performed by six talented ensemble dancers. It’s full of energy and does its best to fill the stage despite the lack of juvenile ensemble.

The set designed by Morgan Brind is straight out of a storybook – colourful and in the traditional pantomime style. There are no gimmicks for the sake of spectacle this year but there is a fun moment when the Wicked Queen channels her inner Elphaba. Mark Dymock’s lighting design is outstanding, adding even more colour and energy to the production. Brind also designs the costumes, alongside Amy Chamberlain, and they are equally as colourful and high quality. Michael J Batchelor’s dame costumes are particularly fabulous this year, with almost every single one getting a laugh from the audience.

Snow White boasts a truly exceptional cast. Headlining the production as the Wicked Queen is Catherine Tyldesley of Coronation Street fame. Despite this being her pantomime debut, she revels in the villainy, ensuring she gets every last boo and hiss from the audience. She delivers her musical numbers with confidence and powerful vocals – we hope she gets more musical theatre roles in the future, following her time in Bonnie and Clyde being cut short.

Sheffield legend Damian Williams is on top form as Nurse Nellie, making the audience (and sometimes almost members of the cast) howl with laughter. He has terrific command over the stage and his grand entrance is particularly wonderful this year (not unlike that of Tom Francis at the start of Act 2 of Sunset Boulevard). George Akid is lovely as Muddles, really becoming the audience’s best friend, and he delivers some strong vocals with his rendition of ‘Gotta Start Somewhere’. Marc Pickering completes our comedy trio as Herman. He is utterly hilarious, with a great comedic accent, but also blows the roof off with some exceptional vocals on his big number(s) towards the end of the show which is heavily teased throughout.

Gladiators’ Viper, aka Quang Luong, appears in this year’s production as the Queen’s Henchman. We had initial concerns he may feel shoehorned into the show, but these were quickly eased. Paul Hendy has incorporated him wonderfully and Luong makes himself an excellent sport for being the butt of many, many jokes. He is a fun addition to this line up and stands perfectly alongside Williams, Akid and Pickering.

Aoife Kenny’s Snow White is warm and lovely, the perfect pantomime princess, with some exceptional vocals throughout, particularly when she leads the Act One closing number (a fun rewrite of a certain numerical based from a hit musical) and a lively mashup for Act Two opening number. Sheffield lad Matthew Croke returns to his home city to play Prince Charming. He sings wonderfully, being granted more songs than a panto prince might often get, and also gets chance to showcase his talent as a dancer as he leads a big company number early in the show.

Completing our line up are, of course, the Magnificent Seven played by Dean Whatton, George Coppen, Liam Roche, Simon Charnier, Paddy Holden, Binde Singh Johal and Hassan Taj. They are great as a unit but also individually in their own right. Each one of them demonstrates impeccable comic timing, with Johal being particular funny and Taj being an audience favourite.

Snow White at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre is a truly excellent pantomime with everything you could ask for and more. It’s funny, it’s feel good and it showcases the impressive talent of a lot of people. Is this pantomime the fairest in the land? Oh yes it is!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jacob Bush

Snow White plays at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre until 5 January 2025, with further info here.