This classic pantomime story has a very strong cast of popular stage and screen performers, including Sam Attwater as The Prince (Eastenders AND Dancing on Ice winner).
The staging was magical, great music was included as well as bright lighting and strong choreography. The comedy between Ian Smith and Carl Dutfield in the comedy routines was strong and polished, and each had the ability to connect with the audience very quickly. It was clear they are both the best in the business and at the top of their game.
Seeing CBBC’s Hacker T Dog as The Magic Mirror was a real highlight of the show. He had so much enthusiasm as he always does, and brought his cheeky wit and humour to his role as a well-loved TV icon.
The Wicked Queen was incredible, and I know you’re meant to not like the baddie, but I loved what Anna Kumble did with the characterisation of her character. The way she graced the stage with pure elegance, she was very convincing and had a great stage presence, as well as a beautiful voice and references to some of her musical hits.
Sam Attwater and Chloe Barlow were great additions, both very talented and had chemistry. I liked the fact Chloe was at the forefront of the production as the princess. The story flowed and was brought to life capturing the heart and emotion from scene to scene.
The show, unfortunately, doesn’t represent the seven dwarfs with appropriate actors but instead features puppets as the dwarfs dressed in different coloured costumes. But why did they all look the same? For example, their facial expressions showed no difference between them. I would have preferred to have seen better representation in this pantomime because of how good the show was so this was a disappointment. The audience struggled to connect with what was meant to be the magnificent seven and the individual personalities of these puppets just didn’t shine through like they would have done with real people. However, it was something different but did take a bit of getting used to.
Throw in a friendly dragon for good measure, fire, smoke, pyrotechnics, and a live band, and this is a MUST-SEE pantomime in Shropshire this Christmas.
The performance is running until Monday 2nd January 2023. Get your tickets here.
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