Fairest of all pantos

Reviewed by Rebecca Poole

With Christmas right around the corner, it’s officially panto season and there’s nothing more festive than the cheesy, silliness that New Theatre Royal delivers every December.

This year, the offering comes in the form of Snow White, written, produced and directed by Natalie Hayes-Cowley, who also stars as The Enchantress in the Mirror.

The show is a far cry from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, but with its stunning costumes, energetic performances, and popular modern songs, it takes on a whole life of its own as a Christmas spectacle the whole family can enjoy.

The story begins with the introduction of Fairy Forget Me Not, played by the enthusiastic Althea Burey, who guides us through the plot, enchanting audiences with quips and typical panto back-and-forth. 

In true British pantomime fashion, the jokes walk a fine line of childish humour but plenty of innuendo that keeps the adults laughing too. 

Comedian Patrick Monahan, who plays the clumsy, lovable Muddles, is hilarious and brings nothing but classic chaos to the stage, keeping the whole audience entertained throughout the show’s runtime. 

Joining Muddles is The Huntsman (Louis Smith MBE) and Nurse Nelly (Alex Singh) to create an incredible trio, providing timeless panto one-liners and contemporary banter.

The typical good-triumphs-over-evil storyline is executed superbly by Sophie Towns as Snow White and Amelia Lily as The Wicked Queen. Sophie portrays the sweet Snow White with endearing obliviousness to the dark intentions of The Wicked Queen, while Amelia’s powerful voice resonates around the theatre during her magnificent musical performances.

As is always the case with panto, the audience plays an integral part, and the New Theatre Royal team always do an exceptional job in breaking the fourth wall, immersing every single person into their role as spectator – because nothing quite says Christmas than heckling a panto villain!

Book your tickets at www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk