Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Published Friday 14 December 2007 at 12:05 by John Thaxter

If Snow White is not my favourite panto, Peter Denyer’s version is a marvel of storytelling, sticking closely to the Disney version of the Grimm Brothers’ plot, while giving the irrepressible Bobby Davro a free hand to invent his own witty, gag-packed script.

Pretty soprano Aimie Atkinson as Snow White, with the puffed sleeves and winning smile, is nicely paired with Arvid Larsen’s Boy Blue prince. But the drama is carried with aplomb by the three major stars.

Warwick Davis has won an international reputation as a superb character actor in roles demanding his short stature, and his spirited Prof, leader of the troupe of Dwarfs, plays a major part in keeping this show on the road.

EastEnder Ross Kemp leaves his Mitchell persona behind to create a surprisingly camp Henchman, a role that should attract the boos. But he is such a loveable villain that instead he wins our laughter and applause.

Any panto that has the stunning, starry Rae Baker sends me wild with delight. Here gloriously gowned as the Wicked Queen, flashing those marvellous legs, she gives an almost operatic performance including a Big Blues number that would stop the show at Carnegie Hall. Viva la Diva!