‘A brilliant night of entertainment bursting with Panto magic!’
St Helens Theatre Royal is back with a bang this Easter half term with the spectacular, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. With familiar faces, dialogue, and songs, this revitalised and refreshed production is sprinkled with new additions which ensures that the Theatre Royal, remains the jewel in the crown of panto land.
Magic Mirror, the likeable Tim Lucas, sets the energy high with a cheeky scouse comedic style as he introduces the story of Snow White, and the ‘seven little fellas’. Despite appearing via video projection, his presence is every bit as strong as the rest of the cast, who all bring energy and enthusiasm. The production seamlessly delivers a conveyor belt of strong characters, a brilliant script, plenty of panto tropes, and even dancing dogs from Doggy Delights — because, why not?
Under the direction of Chantelle Joseph, a phenomenal cast full of talent, deliver watchable and engaging performances. Chantelle Morgan’s Snow White is played with Disney-esque cuteness. Her innocence is endearing as she sweetly smiles her way through smutty innuendos and panto hilarity. Shania Pain is insatiable as the marvellously Wicked Queen, serving dazzling sass and razor-sharp Scouse wit, holding the audience firmly in the palm of her hand.
Richard Aucott’s Nurse Nelly is a ball of energy and does not disappoint, showcasing some seriously impressive Dame haute couture. Prince Frederick, adorned in the shiniest red tights, delivers a beautiful duet with Snow White, a rendition of Die with a Smile. Luke Beattie offers a likeable prince who provides a nice contrast to Muddles, played once again by the popular and immensely talented Lewis Devine who delivers at his energetic, comedy best.
As always, The Dynamix Dancers provide the icing on the cake. The dancers are beautifully yet amusingly animated, which really adds to the delivery of the story, expanding each scene with a tableau of movement and expression. The appearance of the seven dwarfs in puppet form accompanied with voice overs is done well. They are controlled by younger dancers, operating them according to the individual characteristics of each dwarf.
Packed in are the familiar panto tropes including the “If I Was Not in Pantomime” sketch superbly played out here: it is fast, funny, and chaotic. It captures the essence of what panto should be – pure fun. The physical comedy pulls in the audience, with the introduction of some very big inflatable footballs!
The Snow White narrative neatly unravels itself amongst the spectacle, but it is never compromised. Liam Mellor’s script is quick-witted, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, while still allowing for calmer pauses to catch your breath.
Special mention must go to sound designer and technician Conrad Kemp, whose perfectly timed sound effects add hugely to the silliness and fun. Absolutely brilliant!
This production asks if you believe in magic. If you didn’t before, then you certainly will after this extravaganza.
The whole production pops with colour — exactly what we need right now. It’s pure escapism for all the family, a must-see Easter treat.
Review date: 28th March 2026
Star Rating: FIVE