The panto that has everything
Here we were at probably South London’s biggest panto with some big names on board for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, where the Magnificent Seven were actually in attendance to look after our damsel in distress, unlike a production I once saw with no dwarves and their lines just noises off in the distance, writes Michael Holland.
The Seven appeared to great applause and introduced the show to us before Gareth Gates (The Prince) came on and made a joke about stuttering to a shocked Snow White(Laura Emmitt).
Muddles(Simon Fielding) was next up with his medley of jokes that had a hit rate of 4 out of 10, which is perfect for panto as the other 6 went down well with the many kids in the house.
But, personally, I come to see the Baddie and this year it is Britt Lenting as Queen Dragonella, whose first number, I Put A Spell On You, ensured future boos every time she appeared with her accompanying darkness. And she got no change out of her truth-telling mirror(Dr Ranj) who continually told her that she was not the fairest in the land and that her chances of marrying the Prince and becoming Queen of Bromley were negligible. She was angry. We were ecstatic.
To show off his Strictly skills Dr Ranj had a dance off with Muddles, which was a first half highlight, as was the entry of the dwarves at their home in the forest, but the random flying motorbike that appeared at the end of Act One and never to be seen again was jaw-dropping. As the lights came up we all looked at each other and mouthed, ‘How did they do that?!’
The second half provided some great business with four young people on the stage, a few prosecco-fueled gigglers in the stalls, and Queen Dragonella joking that ‘For another fiver we could have got Will Young’ when it was obvious that Prince Gareth was spurning her advances once more.
Dr Ranj and Simon Fielding created the necessary panto vibe in this production while the colour and energy was once again provided by Laine Theatre Arts with its all-dancing and acting alumni.
This is the only panto you need to see because it has everything. The excitement in the auditorium was immense and the enthusiasm to boo with gusto from the groups of young people was brilliant.
And there is a nice twist in the end for a contemporary audience.
Would I watch it again? Oh yes I would.
Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA until 5th January. Admission: £25 – £54.
Booking: https://trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley/
