Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
Cast: Danny Burns, Lloyd Gorman, Barbara Hockaday, Nikita Johal, Adam Keast, Greg Last, Nicola Martinus-Smith, Jamie Noar, Lucy Thatcher, Francis Tucker.
Children of all ages always eagerly await the first drifts of Christmas snow, a winter picture postcard from our past never seems to fit right without the unique flakes falling against the backdrop of a street light and the crisp sound, that first exquisite crunch of Wellington Boot on the overnight gift that the turning of the year brings us, it may be a time of memory, of quiet solitude in thanks but as The Snow Queen knocks at the door, what cannot be avoided is the chance to laugh, smile till the face takes on a permanent position of glee, and to relax in the company of actors and extenuated by superbly played music and genuine affection to entertain.
Sarah A. Nixon and Mark Chatterton return to the Everyman Theatre with another Rock ‘n’ Roll spectacular firmly gripped between their collected funny bones, and if the time spent writing and planning the show is a reflection of just how good it is; then this year’s performance of The Snow Queen is the finest of all the pantomimes that this incredible pair have put together.
It may be a bold statement, and despite the stiff competition of their other outstanding Christmas shows, but it is one that holds weight, a production that is an absolute blast to watch, to witness taking shape, the cold blast of frosty reception has never been one to blow over the pair, and in this year’s offering the warmth becomes a towering furnace, long and faithful is the applause, and rightly so.
It is one of the foundation stones of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto that you try to imagine just how Adam Keast and Francis Tucker can go further that they have before, just how they can push out that extra laugh with a sly look or a dropped pause in the middle of a scene and yet with aplomb they manage to do so, and with a great cast behind them willing to join in the fun and games, never more so in Nicola Martinus-Smith as the Fairy Snowdrop and Jamie Noar is ravishing form as Malakai, this year’s outing as penguins and ice cream sellers, never forgetting Mr. Tucker’s outrageously cool Dame, is a joy to behold at all times.
It is all about the ice, ice baby, a show that proves the snow falls but the winter doesn’t have to be bleak, it can be merry, full of fun, and in the hands of the partnership between all involved, as well as the background company, including Set Designer Dinah England and Choreographer Lucy Thatcher, The Snow Queen is nothing short of majestic.
Ian D. Hall