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There’s festive family fun for all the Bristol Hippodrome this Christmas with the return of their pantomime. Lesley Joseph and Robert Rinder take on the roles of Queen Dragonella and Man in the Mirror, respectively, in this version of Snow White.
The traditional fairytale has some more modern twists and turns added, and isn’t afraid to poke fun at the age old love at first sight trope. Costumes are glitzy, songs are catchy and dances are slick in this panto that thankfully doesn’t drag at all but moves at a good pace. I loved the inclusion of same-sex pairings for some of the dance numbers. Charlotte Haines is appropriately sugary sweet as Snow White, and Dale Mathurn was a whole lot of fun as Prince Harry of Hengrove.
A panto often hinges on its celebrity line-up, and I’m pleased to say that both Joseph and Rinder excel. They’re both a joy to watch. It’s apparent they’re having a great time and because of that, we do too. However, it’s Bristol’s own Andy Ford who steals the show as Muddles. He’s pure family entertainment from beginning to end. The jokes keep coming, and even the cheesier ones are hilarious. There’s some stuff (as always in panto) that goes over younger kids heads, but that only serves to keep the adults entertained, and hey, it’s our Christmas too don’t forget!
My little companion absolutely loved it, and was bouncing excitedly in his seat for most of it. A very appreciative audience also relished the opportunity to be back in a busy, vibrant theatre once more. Snow White runs until January second. Do catch it if you can, there’s really no better antidote to these dark and cold nights than a couple of hours of total escapism and fun.
Becky Fuller
