Mirror, mirror on the wall, it's the fairest pantomime of them all.
Mayflower Theatre's festive shows are always spectacular, particularly in recent years, but Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs takes it to a whole new level.
The addition of Diversity to the cast upped the ante, bringing a real finesse to the choreography, dance routines and acrobatics.
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Led by Ashley Banjo as Snow White's love interest Prince Ashley and taking on the roles of the Royal Guards, the street dance troupe wowed a thrilled audience with their flair and finesse.
Ashley, brother Jordan Banjo and fellow Diversity star Perri Kiely were a particular delight when teaming up with Kev Orkian, the 'Muddles' character who held the whole show together, for a laugh out loud sequence involving a frying pan, a feather duster, boxing gloves, a cricket bat and various other props. The addition of pantomime royalty Christopher Biggins taking a break from starring as the rather glitzy Man in the Mirror to don a red swimsuit as Pamela Anderson in her Baywatch era and attempt to get involved was an absolute scream.
The show had it all, oodles of audience participation, plenty of jokes pertinent to a Southampton crowd, up to the minute tunes and asides, a beautiful princess (the delightful Kirsty Ingram as Snow White), a pantomime baddie (devilish Wicked Queen Rachel Stanley) and innuendo galore.
Add lavish costumes and an incredible set, both worthy of any West End stage, and you have a recipe for success.
But this was bigger and better and more of a spectacle than even a hardened old theatre reviewer like me had expected. Think a flying sleigh, a giant terrifying dragon, fire and fireworks.
A press night audience, which included Saints legend and Daily Echo columnist Franny Benali and former Olympian Iwan Thomas and their families, seemed delighted with every minute of the entertainment.
My companions, aged five to 75, were certainly buzzing. It really was the perfect festive family fun.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs until New Year's Eve. Tickets from mayflower.org.uk or call 023 8071 1811.
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