With childish gags aplenty and lots of cheeky includes for the adults too, the show is a hit as soon as high-kicking X factor reject Warren Kelly prances onto the stage to introduce the story. It’s a story that differs little from the traditional tale, as Wicked Queen Ursula poisons Snow White so she can be the fairest in the land, only for the princess to be awakened from her coma by a kiss from charming Prince Rupert. Although the storyline is pretty much the same, its hilarious delivery is what makes the show great. | "Although the storyline is pretty much the same, its hilarious delivery is what makes the show great." | | Dave Harland |
This is credit to a range of likeable characters, from the outrageously-manic Muddles (Scouse stand-up comedian Chris Cairns) trying to smooch with a mum on the front row, to famed Liverpool hairdresser Herbert Howe unleashing the innuendos as Muddles’ wig-laden mother Dame Queenie. The third comic success is John Bishop, who builds an instant audience rapport as the booable Herman the Henchman. Bishop launches his debut stand-up tour in the same venue in March and is obviously well-geared to tackle hecklers judging by the array of comebacks he throws at any kids willing to try their luck. Hisses and Boos Bishop’s Herman is Henchman to the Wicked Queen Ursula, played by Chantelle Joseph, who also directs the show. She sparkles in the evil role and clearly relishes the panto format in lapping up the hisses and boos and displays a fine singing voice too with a fine version of He Had It Coming. Also showing-off their vocal strengths were Hollyoaks’ Christina Bailey and Grange Hill favourite Chris Perry-Metcalf who play fairly straight roles as Snow White and Prince Rupert but nonetheless captivate the audience with Lionel Richie classic You Are My Destiny.
 | | The cast take a bow |
They are not the only captivating thing on stage at the Royal Court though - a talented array of young dancers are close at hand to set the mood perfectly to several scenes throughout with vibrant, colourful routines set to deliciously funky beats. And an ingenious hologram version of the Mirror Mirror on the Wall accompanies Queen Ursula on stage to captivate the audience with its spooky presence. The Seven Dwarves are cute enough, played by children wearing big comedy Dwarf heads, although their array of comedy accents voiced by the off-stage cast often overwhelm the lack of lip movement. But that’s the only thing in the show that doesn’t really work. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is at the Royal Court, Liverpool until Sunday 14th January 2007. | 
