Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Bristol Hippodrome Review
Our Verdict: An outstanding cast creates the perfect pantomime
Our Rating: 10/10
Expert storytelling and a magical set marks this production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as exceptional from Curtain Up.
There are no surprises in the plot of this pantomime fairytale featuring a jealous queen, her spooky mirror and her step daughter Snow White.
Of course, that’s not forgetting a team of hardy mining dwarfs and the requisite dippy prince for the five minute love story.
The story’s darker moments are expertly handled by pantomime pro Andy Ford as Herman the Henchman. Only he could create hilarity in a murder attempt to make sure the show resumes after the interval.
It’s not as bad as it sounds though and the notion of good triumphing over evil is exactly the tonic audiences need in their lives right now.
What is particularly striking about this year’s panto is the exceptionally professional cast. It really makes a difference to the experience. Kim Ismay, sets the bar high from the start as baddie Queen Morgiana. She’s a classy baddie with a stunning singing voice and not unlike the darker side of Mother Gothel from Tangled.
Andy Ford really is on top form this year, wringing every last opportunity for humour and ‘add lib’ throughout the performance in his trade mark village idiot style.
Mums’ favourite Cbeebies Andy Day as Muddles, is a joy. He knows his craft and keeps things fabulously entertaining despite being the dumb to Andy Ford’s Dumber. In fact, one of the most entertaining scenes of the show features Snow White, Muddles and Herman sitting on a wall singing Something Stupid.
Fresh from stage school Francesca Lara Gordon, is a tick box Snow White, but this pantomime is as much about the dwarfs.
Warwick Davis as dwarf leader Prof, has amazing stage presence, clearly shining as an actor in a league way above what we are used to in panto casting.
The writing throughout is excellent. It’s funny, engaging and children are enthralled. There’s no smut at all and thankfully, no cheap disablist humour.
Last year’s pantomime at the Bristol Hippodrome was great and this one’s even better.
It’s running at the theatre until Sunday 03 January. Book tickets now before they sell out.
