Review: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Venue Cymru

Dec 23 2009

Craig Revel Horwood

MEN dressed as women, gaudy costumes and shouts of ‘oh, yes it is! Oh, no it isn’t!’. It can only mean one thing – panto season is upon us, and I was pleased to go along to Venue Cymru, Llandudno for their packed opening night of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Playing the part of the Wicked Queen is Strictly Come Dancing’s harshest judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Craig has appeared in productions of Cats, Miss Saigon and Crazy For You and choreographed numerous West End productions.

He is brilliant as Queen Lucretia and his dance routines with Mark Evans, who plays Prince Harry, are hilarious, with some very impressive high-kicks, and it pains me to say that Craig looks great in a dress and has got better legs than I have!

Paul O’Grady made a surprise appearance as the face in the magic mirror, and with his usual Scouse wit set the scene and declared that the Queen was no longer "the fairest in the land".

Another surprise small screen star to make their stage debut was Churchill the dog – oh yes! The famous brown and white British bulldog we all know and love from the well-known television advert was impeccably behaved and remembered his lines well.

The star of the show for me had to be Muddles, played by the brilliantly funny star of The Comedians, John Evans.

John’s performance was comical, and his warm style and enthusiasm had the audience, adults and children alike, in the palm of his hands.

Playing Snow White was Welsh girl Gemma James, who really looked the part. Keeping the Disney dream alive she played it well, with a pure voice and innocent persona.

If you have children, or even if you haven’t, you can’t miss this fabulous show, which runs until January 3. Tickets available on 01492 872000 or venuecymru.co.uk