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★★★★★
One of the best things about living in Canterbury at Christmastime is the Marlowe Theatre pantomime. It marks the beginning of the festive season for lots of people and watching the panto is an annual tradition for families across the area. This year is no different, with ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ opening on the final Friday in November. For 2025, the theatre is once again collaborating with Evolution Productions and this year’s show stars Sarah Hadland (Miranda, Strictly Come Dancing), Ben Roddy (Resident Dame), Phil Gallagher (Mister Maker), Marc Pickering (Pantomime Award winner 2024) and Mia Kobayashi (Your Lie in April). Rather excitingly, I had the opportunity to watch the production on press night and find out if the 2025 Marlowe Panto lived up to the reputation of previous years. If anything, I’d say this is one of the best yet.
A constantly entertaining narrative
‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ takes place in the land of Marlonia, which is ruled by the Evil Queen Ivana Dancewithsomebody (Sarah Hadland). Like in most versions of Snow White, the Evil Queen is threatened by Snow White’s (Mia Kobayashi) beauty, but in a plot twist for this panto, the villain initially wants to steal the visiting Prince Charming of Chatham (Kane Oliver Parry) for herself. Obviously this is a pantomime version of the classic and there is room for the memorable comedy sketches that audiences expect with this panto, but Paul Hendy’s narrative is jam packed with adventure from start to finish.
It is exciting to have a panto that involves many locations, characters and additional storylines, which help to keep the material engaging all the way through. A highlight is the scenes with ‘The Seven’, who look after Snow White whilst she is hiding from the Evil Queen. Each member of the group has a very distinct personality, especially “girl boss” Sarge (Maggie Sharp), and The Seven’s arrival on stage at the end of act one made me realise how many principal and supporting characters there are in this story.
Full of Christmas surprises
There are many surprises within this year’s panto, from the special effects to the fun cast entrances and topical song choices (Raye, KPop Demon Hunters and more). Every year you can always count on the Marlowe and Evolution Productions to provide something extra special in the panto, that encourages audiences to return. This year they have outdone themselves with one particular addition, which will delight audiences of all ages. I don’t want to spoil it, but let’s just say my jaw was on the floor after the reveal!
Cast performances
It is brilliant to see Marc Pickering back in the panto this year, taking on the role of Herman Von Badapple (and assistant directing the show), joining Ben Roddy and Phil Gallagher in their roles as Nurse Nellie and Muddles respectively. The three characters are frequently taken advantage of by Sarah Hadland’s wonderfully evil Wicked Queen and you can’t help but laugh at the chaos and camaraderie between the group. As an aside, Herman also has this hilarious dream to perform as Elton John on stage and Marc Pickering is a natural at engaging the audience during snippets of ‘Crocodile Rock’.
Mia Kobayashi and Kane Oliver Parry have such brilliant voices in their roles as Snow White and Prince Charming respectively and you can’t help but be impressed by the quality of the musical numbers. Supported by the band and Musical Director Chris Wong, who has been a part of the Marlowe Panto for 31 years, every musical number has so much energy and it reminded me why this pantomime is renowned for its attention to detail in all of the creative elements.
A sensational Christmas pantomime
‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ is such an entertaining and vibrant panto, with the land of Marlonia brought to life through some magical sets and colourful costumes. The 2 hours 30 minutes running time flies past and you have to marvel at the exceptional quality of this production. You can catch the show at the Marlowe Theatre until Sunday 11th January, with tickets available via the theatre’s website. It really is a hilarious festive treat for all of the family!
*My ticket and programme for ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ were gifted in exchange for a review.
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