Snow White
Snow White (Panto)
Waterside Theatre (Aylesbury)
(Review Complete)
I recently had the pleasure of attending the enchanting production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury, and I must say, it was a delightful experience that left me feeling like a child again. I always get excited with Panto and The Waterside Theatre production, never disappoints.
From the moment the curtains lifted, the stage came alive with vibrant colours, stunning sets, and a talented cast that brought the beloved fairy tale to life. The Waterside Theatre truly knows how to create a magical atmosphere, and this production was no exception.
The casting was impeccable, with each actor embodying their character flawlessly. Snow White (Rhiannon Chesterman) was portrayed with grace and innocence, while the Evil Queen Grimelda (Lyndsey Gardiner) commanded the stage with her wickedness. The Seven Dwarfs Prof (Stijn Keileers), Cheeky (Harrison Taylor), Stroppy (Willie Coppen), Dozy (Fatemeh Serebani), Snotty (Denise Coppen), Whiffy (Kate Meczynska) and Disney (Jessica Ward) stole the show with their impeccable comedic timing and lovable personalities, bringing laughter and joy to the audience.
The loveable and local lad Andy Collins played Muddles and this year a new person played Dame Dilly Donut (Leon Craig). Both were old pros and knew how to work an audience, although at times I struggled to hear Dame Dilly Donut dialogue. The legendary 12 days of Christmas went down a storm as always and water pistols sprayed water all other the audience. Chaos ensued.
Prince Federick (James Bye) was the main pull as an ‘EastEnders’ actor, but he fitted in nicely. The whol cast have just 10 days from the time they meet to performance to get the whole show choreographed and set. There was the occasional glance where I felt he looked a little old to be Snow Whites future husband.
The musical numbers were a highlight of the show, with catchy tunes and impressive choreography that had the audience tapping their feet and clapping along. The energy and enthusiasm of the cast were infectious, and it was evident that they were having as much fun on stage as we were in the audience.
The production also made little use of technology, which was nice to see avoiding distractions from projected back screens and side panels. The magical world of Snow White. The attention to detail in the costumes and set design was remarkable, creating a visually stunning experience that truly captured the essence of the fairy tale. Especially the finale.
One aspect that stood out was the audience interaction. The cast engaged with the audience throughout the performance, encouraging participation and creating a sense of community. Children and adults alike were captivated by the interactive elements, making it a truly immersive experience. Especially with the bra made for 3. (You will have to go to find out what that’s all about).
The dancers were excellent - Charlotte Day, Molly Lewin, Charley Vincent, Jessie May-Simmons, Kyralea and Sheehan Parsons. I must also mention the children dancers from Allstars Dance Academy and Castelli School of Dance. Their forest animals were the best.
Well done the creative team. Director (Chris Nelson), Choreography by Adam Scott and Musical Director / Arranger Jamie Noar. Well done. Great work and vision.
The only minor drawback was that at times, the sound levels seemed a bit off, with some dialogue and lyrics being slightly muffled. However, this did not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the show.
Overall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury was a magical journey that transported us into a world of fantasy and wonder. The talented cast, stunning visuals, and infectious energy made it a truly memorable experience for all ages. I highly recommend this production to anyone looking for a heartwarming and entertaining theatrical experience.
Reviewers: Mark Bilsby and Co.