Snow White (Bracknell)

There are the old panto favourites: the virtuous Snow White (Rebecca Ayres), the Wicked Step-Mother (Marianne Hare) and a handsome Prince (Tristan Pate) – although, without giving too much away, there is an extra twist to this tale with regards to him.

Then there are are also other changes, principally that the seven dwarves are now a comedy act called The Rainbow Children, headed by Dame Dotty – who is played with all possible panto pomp by Julian Hirst.

This pantomime is more of an ensemble performance than any I have seen, with the dancers and Rainbow Children contributing much more to the narrative. However, this keeps you, as an audience member, on your toes; you are never sure where the next twist in the tale is going to come from.

However, we are expertly navigated through the play by the Mirror, played by Brad Clapson, who takes no nonsense from the Wicked Witch and is the main link between the audience and the production.

There are also stand-out performances from specific actors, with one example being the eldest child (Jake Addley) who delivers a perfect round-up of what has happened to Snow White – in mime. This is a feat of real energy and talent.

The performance is full of laughter; the Wicked Witch delivers a plethora of sarcastic comments – mainly directed at the audience. The Prince is full of charm and charisma, and perfectly characterised the type of Made in Chelsea man that we all know so well.

The troupe of dancers has more of a role in this production, and it would be lovely if the songs and dancing appeared with more frequency. However, this is a top pantomime. It is jam-packed with comedy, audience interaction and good old-fashioned fun.

Snow White runs at the Wilde Theatre, Bracknell until 4 January.