SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Princess Theatre, Torquay

★★★★

PANTOMINE season began last weekend, and I was lucky enough to be able to take four-year-old Oscar to the opening night of Snow White at the Princess Theatre in Torquay.

This was Oscar's first pantomime outing, and coincidentally at the venue where I last saw a festive production circa 1979, with vague memories of Roger de Courcey and Nookie Bear being somehow involved.

The show opened with a deafening 'boo' as Lisa Riley's wonderfully evil Queen Malevola was introduced to proceedings, setting out her dastardly intentions regarding Snow White; before we were introduced to Palm 105.5's Ben Moseby as Dame Sarah Spoilit.

Ben clearly had been heavily influenced by Little Britain's 'I'm a Laydee' sketch in developing the character, and turned in an exceptional comic performance enjoyed by all.

His sidekick Muddles, played by the energetic Simon Grant, provided gags and slapstick throughout the whole show and thoroughly entertained the audience.

The best comedic moments appeared to have been ad-libbed at times, and this only added to fine performances given by both.

The Twelve Days of Christmas song was fantastic and received a standing ovation — this was well worth seeing on its own!

Bucks Fizz star Heidi Manton takes the title roll. She really has a great voice and the dance routines worked beautifully.

The supporting cast was good, with Craig Rees as the handsome prince and a selection of dwarfs who had apparently been named to avoid infringing Disney copyright.

The show was, at the end of the day, mainly for the watching children.

The cast did a fantastic job of delivering a performance with humour and genuine warmth, and it was clear that they were enjoying themselves.

The usual pantomime traditions of 'he's behind you', 'oh, no it isn't' and so on all had their place too.

Highly recommended for all the family this Christmas.

JOE BELSO