Reader Reviews
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Victoria Palace Theatre, West End)
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 | On the night that my family and I went to see Snow White (Victoria Palace), Boxing Night, Paul O'Grady was indisposed! This was due to an untimely bout of flu and a chest infection. However, the evening was saved by the brilliant Fogwell Flax, who stepped into Paul O'Grady's/Lily Savage's stilletos at the last minute. This, together with a seamless cast change, led to a totally fanatstic evening. Fogwell has the same ascerbic, scouse delivery as Paul O'Grady and so for that performance we had Lily Savage's previously unknown sister on stage! Given that Paul O'Grady's role had been co-written by Paul O'Grady himself, the deliciously savage wit (pardon the pun!)of Lily Savage was delivered to perfection by Fogwell Flax. Each insult was lashed into the audience like a razor-tipped bull whip! For instance, when commenting on the audience in the circle "the elephant man wouldn't look out of place amongst that lot! They all came in with bags over their heads!", also " Where's my handbag.... Ah, here it is... Botox, perfume, kebab and a brick. Everything for a night out in London!" And " What's that smell... of snot and poo rolled up in an old sock? Ah yes. children!" Then, when asking for an ingredient whilst preparing the famous poisoned apple, he was asked "...and what's the magic word?" to which Fogwell sliced back with "NOW!" instead of the expected 'Please'. My young daughter was particularly impressed with that! And when asked (as in the script) that the Evil Queen must be 'going soft', Fogwell replied" I must be going soft ... to do this performance at 3 hours notice!" This was rewarded with a heart-felt cheer from the audience!Also, in the same vein, when the Evil Queen calls out "Guards!" only one guard appears, to which Fogwell responds " I should say Guard... the others have got the flu aswell!" Again, another cheer. Needless, to say Fogwell Flax stole the show. But the remainder of the cast put in a commendable performance aswell, given the reshuffle. The Magnificient Seven were a joy as the Seven Dwarves with typical panto fayre and wonderfuly corny one-liners. And as a bonus, all those who saw this remarkable performance have also been rewarded with the promise of a second sitting (free of charge!) once Paul O'Grady returns! What joy that promises to be, Fogwell Flax AND Paul O'Grady in the same show! We all wish Paul O'Grady a speedy recovery, but if Fogwell Fax remains in such acidic form then Paul O'Grady's return may be to that of Fogwell's understudy! A magical evening. - 80.42.99.83) | 28 Dec 04 |
