"Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs"

Mansfield Palace Theatre

Sunday 23rd December 2025

The pantomime season has officially begun, and what a way to start! Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, brought to Mansfield Palace Theatre by UK Productions Ltd, was my first time experiencing their in-house panto and it was so much more than I expected. Written by Jon Monie, this production delivers warmth, humour, spectacle, and traditional panto magic from start to finish.

For those unfamiliar, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs tells the timeless tale of a young princess whose beauty and kind heart spark envy in her mother, the formidable Queen Grimelda. Full of adventure, humour, and magical moments, the story follows Snow White’s journey through a world of colourful characters, unexpected twists, and festive fun — all while keeping audiences guessing what will happen next.

We meet Muddles and his mum, Dame Dilly Donut, along with Princess Snow White, whose mother — not stepmother — is the villainous Queen Grimelda. Desperate to remain the fairest in the land, Grimelda obsessively checks her magical talking mirror. Prince Frederick soon arrives and immediately falls head-over-heels for Snow White.

Adam Moss takes on the role of Muddles, and he is an absolute standout. His performance is packed with fast-paced humour, wonderfully chaotic energy, and that trademark panto silliness that audiences adore. He blends physical comedy with sharp timing, slipping between classic groan-worthy panto jokes and clever, unexpected one-liners that had both children and adults roaring with laughter. Adam’s effortless connection with the crowd and his natural comic instinct make his Muddles instantly lovable — he’s built for panto, and it really shows.

Katrina Bryan shines as Queen Grimelda, combining glamour, wit, and spot-on comic timing. In a cheeky running gag, she “defeats” Snow White twice during the show, much to the audience’s delight. Grimelda also tells numerous lies, insisting she never killed Snow White — though of course, she did! Her “chav letter” scene had everyone laughing, and she showcases her vocal talent, adding depth to the role beyond the comedy. And her costumes — wow! Each outfit is lavish, sparkling, and perfectly suited to her larger-than-life character, adding a dazzling visual element that matches her commanding stage presence.

Ben Harlow is outstanding as Dame Dilly Donut and a true local gem. Although this was my first time seeing him in a Dame role, I was immediately impressed by his comic timing and stage presence. His comedy duet with Adam Moss, complete with haribo antics, is a brilliant example of classic Dame humour done right. Harlow’s sparkling dress and towering wig perfectly complement his expressive acting, as he brings energy, timing, and personality to every scene, truly lighting up the stage.

Joey Dockree, who plays Prince Frederick, is a charming and engaging prince, exuding confidence, charisma, and a genuine warmth that makes him instantly likeable. His singing is clear, strong, and expressive, bringing depth to every musical number, while his chemistry with Snow White feels natural and heartfelt. He moves effortlessly through both comedic and romantic moments, perfectly complementing the other characters and helping to anchor the story with charm and presence.

Emilie du Leslay is a delightful Snow White, effortlessly combining innocence, charm, and strong, expressive vocals. Her presence is magnetic, capturing the audience’s attention from her very first scene. She moves gracefully across the stage, balancing the comedic moments with heartfelt sincerity, and her duets with Prince Frederick showcase her lovely voice beautifully. Emilie also shines in solo numbers, bringing warmth and emotion that elevate the classic songs, and she engages naturally with the ensemble and dwarfs, helping to create a truly enchanting woodland world. Her performance embodies the spirit of a traditional panto heroine while adding her own captivating charm.

Anthony Williams as the Voice of the Mirror is a standout element of the production, guiding the story with authority, mischief, and charm. His vocal performance is excellent, adding both humour and suspense, though I was a little disappointed that the Mirror was presented as a cartoon-style face rather than a physical actor on the mirror. Seeing a performer interact with the cast might have added an extra layer of theatrical magic. Nevertheless, Anthony’s witty timing and expressive delivery more than compensate, making the Mirror an engaging and memorable part of the show.

The seven talented Dwarfs — Hayley Burroughs (Snotty), Denise Coppen (Disney), Willie Coppen (Stroppy), Kieran DuMont (Prof), Emily Dyer (Dozy), Simeon Dyer (Cheeky), and Ben Holmes-Coatsworth (Whiffy) — are cheeky, charming, and full of personality. Their performance of the classic “Whistle While You Work” was a real crowd-pleaser, delighting audiences with their energy and humour. Their performance of the classic “Whistle While You Work” was a real crowd-pleaser, delighting audiences with their energy and humour.

The ensemble adds energy, sparkle, and humour throughout the production, supporting the principal cast with impressive performances in song, dance, and comedy. Alongside the Magnificent Seven, the ensemble — Sophie Bond ((Dance Captain), Niamh Hendron, Shahar Mizrahi, Harmoni Shaw, and Edward Turner — each brings personality and flair to every scene. Their precise choreography, enthusiasm, and comic timing help create the lively, festive atmosphere that makes this panto so engaging for audiences of all ages.

The production also featured two talented local dancers, representing Expressions Academy of Performing Arts EPA and Razzamataz Theatre Schools Mansfield. Their performances added an extra layer of local pride and professionalism, complementing the principal cast and ensemble while showcasing the wealth of performing talent in the Mansfield area.

The production is expertly directed by Lexie Ward, who ensures the pacing is spot-on and that every element — from comedy and music to dance and spectacle — comes together seamlessly. Her direction allows the principal cast, ensemble, and local dancers to shine while maintaining the perfect balance of humour, heart, and festive magic.

Costumes, designed by Elizabeth Dennis, are vibrant, playful, and perfectly suited to each character. From Snow White’s classic gown to Dame Dilly Donut’s towering wigs and the whimsical outfits of the Seven Dwarfs, every costume adds to the visual spectacle and helps bring the story to life. Dennis’s designs also highlight the individuality of each ensemble and local dancer, contributing to the overall charm and magic of the production.

The scenery department, designed by Jon Harris and Jason Bishop, deserves special praise for their enchanting work. The moment the dwarves’ cottage opens to reveal its charming interior elicited delighted gasps from the younger audience, adding a touch of magic and wonder to the performance.

Choreography by David Allwood is vibrant and uplifting, giving the ensemble exciting, dynamic movement that allows every cast member to shine. Each number is thoughtfully crafted to balance dazzling spectacle with inviting accessibility, helping performers feel confident and expressive on stage. The full ensemble radiates energy, humour, and flair, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained and engaged from start to finish.

Sound Design (Kirk Jackson) and Lighting Design (Morgan Jones) are exceptional. There were no sound issues whatsoever — every cast member was crystal clear. The lighting is spectacular, with moments that feel more like a full-on concert thanks to dynamic effects, pyrotechnics, and the confetti cannon in the finale.

Let’s not forget those in the pit during the panto — the fantastic Musical Director Ben Ward and his talented band. Having seen Ben in many other theatre productions, I knew the music would be in safe hands, and they did not disappoint. Ben Ward delivered perfect, clean accompaniment on keyboard, elevating every musical number beautifully, while Phil Johnson on drums and percussion provided the perfect rhythmic foundation.

The songs themselves were a real treat, blending festive favourites, contemporary hits, and classic Disney. Audiences enjoyed “12 Days of Christmas”, high-energy modern tracks like “Soda Pop” from K-POP and “Golden Hunters”, as well as traditional fare from Disney’s Snow White, including “Heigh Ho” and “Whistle While You Work”. This mix kept the show fresh, engaging, and fun for audiences of all ages.

This production of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs is a shining example of what a traditional family pantomime should be: funny, lively, heart-warming, and full of festive magic. With strong performances, polished production values, and a real sense of joy throughout, Mansfield Palace Theatre has delivered a panto that audiences of all ages will adore.

Looking ahead, Mansfield Palace Theatre is already promising more festive fun next year with Cinderella, featuring the return of the hilarious Adam Moss — sure to keep audiences laughing all over again.

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs", the fairest panto of them all, is playing at Mansfield Palace Theatre until Wednesday, 31st December 2025.

Review written By Owen Brindley