@ King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sun 17 Jan 2015
Kings of pantomime Grant Stott, Allan Stewart and Andy Gray return to the King’s Theatre in their best frocks and best performances yet. The familiar trio have become an annual treat for the Christmas season since they originally came together in 1998 for Aladdin. Last performed here in 2002, Qdos Entertainment’s version of the classic Grimms’ fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is filled with anecdotes for both young and old alike. Written by Michael Harrison and Allan Stewart this current, local version of the 200 year old tale is a whole load of fun, from beginning to end.
Stott has no “face for the radio”, as he looks fabulous in his villainous role as The Wicked Queen, but oh no she isn’t the fairest in all the land! The magic mirror doesn’t lie and the fairest is that hackit minger Snow White, played by Frances Mayli McCann, in her panto debut. So with the help of black magic and a T-Rex, the Queen makes it her mission to set aboot her, to win over Prince Charming’s (Greg Barrowman) heart.
Stewart and Gray as Nurse May and Hector make for a hilarious duo, partnering up against the twisted Queen. As a trio they bounce off one another, laughing at their own jokes and improvising in the moment. Getting everyone into the Christmas spirit with a local rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas (although what will they do come January?), they make it a show you could see again and again, because the mishaps become part of the act, and it’s difficult to differentiate between the intentional and accidental. To be as cliched as possible, there really is something for everyone, although the adult comedy borders on inappropriate for the younger generation in the audience.
Alongside them are tall men on their knees as the seven dwarfs (including Jambo and Hibee), a magnificent ensemble cast, with guest appearances from Super Sturgeon and Salmond, as well as dancers from EDA, who have been taking part in the King’s panto for 15 years, all brought together in a variety of energetic routines choreographed by Stillie Lee.
Absolutely everything is elaborate in this big budget production, from the performances, Ian Westbrook’s expensive set, to the five (golden) lavvy rolls. A magic mirror, a poisonous apple, a T-Rex and a sleigh, the set overrides the plot by far, adding surprise after surprise to this magical production. They’ve called it the fairest panto in all of the land – and oh yes it is!