Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs review: 7 reasons to see this year’s St Albans pantomime at The Alban Arena

The Wicked Queen, played by Rita Simons, with Snow White (Lauren Cocoracchio) in St Albans pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Alban Arena (Image: Archant)

• 1 – Rita Simons

EastEnders favourite Rita Simons knocks it out of the park as the Wicked Queen in Snow White.

Best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in the BBC One soap, she’s got an amazing singing voice, as showcased by her rendition of Guns N’ Roses hit Sweet Child O’ Mine.

Despite her stage nerves, Rita looks like she’s having a blast playing Snow White’s evil stepmother, and she’s quick-witted with put-downs aimed at hecklers.

Also look out for Rita’s EastEnders co-star Jake Wood, who ‘returns’ to the Arena after playing Captain Hook in last year’s production of Peter Pan.

EastEnders star Rita Simons as the Wicked Queen with the Seven Dwarfs in St Albans pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Alban Arena (Image: Archant)

• 2 – Road sign banter

Fast becoming an Alban Arena panto institution, St Albans comedy legend Bob Golding (Nurse Nellie) and venue favourite Ian Kirkby (Herman the Henchman) once again pack as many corny jokes into a spurious comedy routine as they can, aided by a number of handy props.

After fish was the theme last Christmas, the duo this year come armed with a trolley-load of road signs.

They somehow manage to shoehorn signs for Hitchin, Welwyn, Smallford and Ickleford into the sketch.

One way or another, the double act will have you in stitches – or going round the bend.

Nurse Nellie (Bob Golding), Herman the Henchman (Ian Kirkby) and Muddles (Dave Bibby) in St Albans pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Alban Arena (Image: Archant)

• 3 – It’s a traditional panto

The creative team at Evolution has chalked up a string of record-breaking pantos at The Alban Arena.

And writer and producer Paul Hendy hasn’t altered with that successful format.

There’s all the traditional pantomime elements, with a Dame, plenty of singing, dancing, jokes and audience participation for all the family to enjoy.

Why change a winning formula?

Muddles (Dave Bibby), Nurse Nellie (Bob Golding) and Herman the Henchman (Ian Kirkby) with the Wicked Queen (Rita Simons) in St Albans pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Alban Arena (Image: Archant)

• 4 – Dwarf’s drum solo

Some productions of Snow White these days feature children or adults playing the dwarfs. The Arena panto has seven dwarfs up on stage led by Sarge, played by George Appleby, who has appeared in three Harry Potter movies.

Brian Wheeler, who was an Ewok in Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and can be seen in JK Rowling’s latest outing, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, plays grumpy dwarf Brian, while Geoffrey Sergison is a very sneezy Sniffly.

But it is Loopy, played by Ali Sarebani, who steals the show from Snow White’s other dwarf companions after finally getting the chance to perform his drum solo.

Google him on YouTube. Ali, who was born in Iran, really can play the drums.

The seven dwarfs in St Albans pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Alban Arena (Image: Archant)

• 5 – The Freddie Mercury twist

No, the former Queen frontman doesn’t magically appear on stage. A whole group of Freddies do!

Herman the Henchman, superbly played by Ian Kirkby, channels his inner Freddie Mercury to finally achieve his dream of appearing on stage as the Queen singer.

With his hump, limp and black wig, Ian draws inspiration for his comic character from Laurence Olivier playing Richard III.

And Herman’s medley of Queen hits, backed by an army of Freddie Mercury lookalikes in the background, is one of the highlights of the show.

Herman the Henchman as Freddie Mercury during the Queen medley in St Albans pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Alban Arena (Image: Archant)

• 6 – The 3D Ghost Scene

You’ll need your supplied 3D glasses after the interval for the panto’s ghost scene.

Bob Golding brings out his trusty bench once more, as Nurse Nellie, Herman the Henchman, Muddles, played by Welwyn Garden City resident Dave Bibby, and Prince Charming venture into the woods.

There they find themselves spooked by an assortment of 3D ghosts, ghouls and creepy crawlies.

Some of the effects will have you jumping out of your seats.

Nurse Nellie (Bob Golding) on stage during the 3D ghost scene in St Albans pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Alban Arena (Image: Archant)

• 7 – A happy ending

Everyone loves a happy ending.

And like all good pantomimes, Snow White has a happy ending. Oh yes it does!

The Italia Conti trained Lauren Cocoracchio plays the title role beautifully. She’s not too saccharine as Snow White, the fairest of them all.

And she meets her romantic match in Prince Charming, played by Jonny Godbold, with the whole cast joining them for the uplifting final Royal Wedding scene.

Snow White and Prince Charming in St Albans pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Alban Arena (Image: Archant)

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at the Arena until Sunday, January 8, 2017.

A number of performances have sold out, and there is limited availability for other shows.

To book tickets, visit The Alban Arena website at www.alban-arena.co.ukAlternatively, call the box office on 01727 844488.