“A star-studded flamboyant court of queens”
This adult musical version of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Snow White, is a real drag – but in a very good way. The set is wonderfully bouji with two sweeping staircases and golden balustrades which flank a large opening to the back of the stage, through which we are introduced to all the players by Kitty Scott-Claus as Fairy Hanny. This beautiful Fairy had to put up with non-stop comical shade being thrown at her throughout the show. Fans of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, will not be disappointed, writes Linda Emmanuel.
This panto has it all (oh yes, it does): the make-up, the hair, the costumes, the two dancers, and very well-crafted cardboard props. I wouldn’t expect anything less from such a star-studded flamboyant court of queens.
The script follows the original story arc as well as touching on political and social topics. After having the most hilarious, foul-mouthed consultation with the ‘mirror,’ played by Yshee Black, the very Wicked Queen (Kyran Thrax), orders the ‘Huntsman’ (Kate Butch) – who corrects us all and insists on being called the Huntsthem! – to take a very grown-up Snow White (Tayris Mongardi), out into the forest to end her life with their cardboard weapon.
Enter Oliver Clothezoff as The Prince, who loves to be greeted with the call of ‘Oi, Oi!’ And of course we oblige – we are being ordered by a Prince, after all. He soon seduces Snow White with his suave moves and they fall in love, as happens in a fairytale.
This show serves as what the drag community call a ‘library’: a place where queens ‘read’ each other with the most bitingly enjoyable and skilful insults. The structure gives the audience the chance to experience the best double acts currently on stage, and the camaraderie between them is very clear. I laughed so hard that my cheeks hurt. This company of players proves to be extraordinarily talented movers and singers by belting out comedy versions of well-known pop songs such as “Toxic” by Britney Spears, and “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler.
The second half of the show is opened by Tiana Biscuit singing an adapted version of Pink’s “Get this Party Started” while playing all seven of Snow White’s future roommates. A clever logistical choice given the limited size of the stage and the outlandish stature of the personalities.
I’m sure Shakespeare would be very proud of what he started all those years ago in the 16th Century, when it was necessary for men to play the part of women on stage due to the laws of the land. But now, in the 21st Century, it has become an artform that appeals to all who appreciate fabulous comedy entertainment in all its forms.
The all-drag panto written by Kate Butch and Crudi Dench is at Emerald Theatre until 4th January 2026.
Emerald Theatre until 4th January 2026.
Booking and full details: https://www.emerald.london/the-show/
