Returning comedy heroes, flying reindeer with a Star Wars connection and a contemporary twist for a reassuringly traditional pantomime – the sublime panto at the Birmingham Hippodrome this year is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
This was my first trip to the pantomime in many years, and so I wasn’t sure what to expect – I certainly didn’t expect to be laughing out loud until my face ached almost from curtain up!
Producers Qdos Entertainment have adapted a lavish production straight from last year's London Palladium and the entire ensemble cast, costumes and direction was simply superb.
In his seventh consecutive year at the Hippodrome, comedian Matt Slack as Huddles is a real show-stopper with his own style of silly yet outstanding comedy, fast beat impressions, hilarious lip-synching and genuinely funny interaction with the audience.
Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph plays the villainess Queen Dragonella determined to oust Snow White and become the fairest of them all. She manages to be scary yet vulnerable, funny yet scathing and thrived on the panto boos!
Former X Factor winner Joe McElderry is also amazing as the Spirit of the Mirror and seems to relish belting out the songs, and Coronation Street star Faye Brookes is excellent as an enchanting yet feisty Snow White.
Self-titled Queen of the Black Country, Doreen Tipton makes her mark as the laziest Lady in Waiting – droll, dead-pan and a perfect stooge for Huddles.
Another unexpected yet fantastic addition was the very talented dance troupe Flawless as the Queen's Guard.
So genuine belly laughs, comedy songs which worked (I never thought I would see one that would!), a brilliant cast, dancers, spellbinding costumes and sets…could there be any more in store? Cue the special effects… a gigantic dragon and two reindeer, which I believe were made from the same material used for the Ewoks in Star Wars, pulling a sleigh over the audience are a real treat.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a delight for the whole family and a great way to start 2020.
The pantomime runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday, February 2.
Written by Karen Donoghue - West Midlands Growth Company Marketing Manager
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Packed with comedy and festive fun, Birmingham Hippodrome’s magical pantomime brings together a galaxy of stars for Britain’s biggest regional panto.
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