REVIEW | Snow White, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Evie Pickerill as Snow White at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Photo by Alex Styles.

Pantomime is the epitome of family friendly theatre fun and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s production of Snow White this Christmas is a great example of this. There’s truly something for everyone from five to ninety five.

Children will love Snow White because of CBeebies favourites Evie Pickerill and Gyasi Sheppy who are the perfect pair in love as Snow White and Prince William of Wombourne who interact with the cast excellently and offer cheeky little waves to the children in the audience, especially in the bows. The show is also full of Christmas magic, both good and “evil” complete with sparkle and shine as well as some very adorable woodland creatures.

The adults in the audience will not be left out though as there are as many giggles to be had for the “big kids” as well as the children. Writers Ian Adams and Tam Ryan (who also play the excellent characters of Nanny Nolly and Muddles respectively) have written some cheeky, slightly tongue in cheek jokes which will have you laughing in the aisles, especially with Tam’s excellent quick-witted ad-libs. There is also a range of songs used both the classic Christmas songs such as ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’, mixed in with pop songs such as ‘Could it be Magic’ and even some more musical theatre nods such as a slightly adapted version of Matilda’s ‘Revolting Children’ renamed Revoluting Miners sung by the Dwarfs.

Speaking of the miners, one of the highlights of this show is them. In the Wolverhampton Grand production, they are played by puppets, designed by Set and Costume designer David Shields and supplyied by Joe Peek, who are played by the excellent ensemble each of which have their own characters, accents and personalities. The eight strong ensemble were also a highlight as they were so hardworking, not only mastering puppetry for this production but also tap dancing, producing backing vocals on and off stage PLUS even a little “ice” skating at the top of the show.

Niki Colwell Evans’ Queen Dragonella was just the right side of pantomime evil character with fantastic vocals and quick thinking skills in the moment one of her props didn’t do what it was supposed to, bouncing brilliantly off the audience as well as alongside her magical sister Elementa played by Kelle Bryan, giving the panto the classic good vs evil storyline culminating in a audience rousing version of the Sister Sledge classic ‘We Are Family’.

If you’re planning on watching this panto, please be aware that throughout the performance there is haze, flashing and strobe lighting, pyrotechnics, snow flumes and flying objects and the possibly of getting a little wet from a water pistol if in the front stalls.

Each year the Wolverhampton Grand is the perfect way to round out the year at this amazing theatre and this year is no different. With an excellent cast, great writing , beautiful costumes and set its the hottest ticket to get the full festive theatrical experience. Playing until 7th January 2024, with relaxed performances on Friday 15 December at 11am and Saturday 16 December at 11am.