Pantomime

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

Mary Brennan

****

ON they come, the Magnificent Seven. The matinee is crammed with primary school kids who immediately recognise these jolly, toddling little men. Not because of the Disney cartoon, ken. The seven dwarfs on-stage are kin to the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad from the now familiar Shrek. Shrieks of delight ensue.

The same leather-lung’d little ‘uns will doo-dooo out Baby Shark and when Muddles (Jordan Young) goes into the Floss, rows of teeny-tiny dancers spring up and gyrate with him.

They’re clearly having a good time - even if they only have a limited grasp of the sheer, bravura wit of the tongue-twisters and sly word-play that send older children and adults into fits of tickled-pink laughter. Actually fart jokes seem irresistible to any and all ages.

If delivering a panto that genuinely entertains disparate elements in any given audience is a tough ask - well, writer (and Dame) Alan McHugh, continues to rise to the challenge with gallus enthusiasm and wily comedic gambits. His big hearted Nurse Nellie MacDuff is a merrily raucous besom, with a boisterous bosom that also carries all before her.

Young’s Muddles is, as in previous years, a totally minted conspirator in the mirth-making. He never forgets the ‘Hiya, pals!’ that connects us to him, he stokes the daftness at every turn and serves up fast’n’funny patter with a speed that has our own jaws dropping in happy amazement.

Meanwhile, Juliet Cadzow is oozing elegant malice as the wicked Queen Lucretia, plotting to do away with sweet Snow White (Jenna Innes) and get her lusting hands on Prince Harry of Holby, whose title is a nod towards Lea Meed’s on-screen appearances in Casualty and Holby City. He takes the joshing references from McHugh and Young in his stride, looks dashing and has a handsome voice to match.

Well done, everybody - it’s another real deal panto for FurryBoots City.