I was kindly invited along with Southampton Bloggers to the press night of Southampton’s Pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Lets just pause for a moment! I was invited to press night! WHAT! I literally had to pinch myself at quite a few moments in the night! I love a good panto, it doesn’t feel like a festive season without one!
The cast features the strictly fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood and the hilarious Chuckle Brothers (my childhood summed up in two words!). There are references to both Strictly and Chuckle Vision throughout the show and it was honestly hilarious, whenever the the famous brothers, Paul and Barry, came on the theme tune to Chuckle Vision played, which was a real throwback! The brothers did all their classic jokes from to me to you!, to their classic way of saying Hello! Similarly, anytime the Queen (Craig Revel Horwood) came out the strictly theme music would play and he would constantly refer to different dances mainly the Cha Cha Cha!
Flawless were also part of the cast. Now don’t get me wrong, there dancing is flawless and I certainly could not dance like that, however I don’t feel like they really added anything to the show. I mean the 2 dances they did were incredible, but the show would not have been any less without them, but don’t let that put you off!
This panto is like no other that I have ever seen! Honestly, the opening number is all about Southampton. I’ve never seen a show that have put so much thought into an area. The dancers even had the Southampton football club (commonly known as the Saints) scarf’s and used them in the dance sequence! They even used the song ‘When the Saints go Marching’ in as part of the music. I feel like lots of thought and research went into the opening song that if you were from Southampton (or knew the area well) you would understand and get. It also made me quite proud to live near Southampton!
It always amazes me how the theatre uses modern technology in their shows and this panto was no exception! At one point a dragon flew across the audience and I’m not even kidding it looked so real! I’ve not seen anything like this in a pantomime before and I was truly amazed! Not only did it fly once, but it flew twice! Once in the first act and once in the second! Another use of technology was the magic mirror. This was like a giant screen that whenever called upon would come out of the ground and an ogre like face would pop up and talk to the audience. It was incredible and again, nothing like I had ever seen in a panto before. I’m still in shock over it!
I’d like to mention Craig Revel Horwood again as I was COMPLETELY SHOCKED! HE CAN SING! Oh my, his rendition of ‘My Way’ was incredible, I could not believe that these beautiful sounds came out of his mouth! I was seriously impressed and he had some stunning costumes. To be honest, I think he had the best costumes of the lot! There was so much glitz and glam to his costumes! They were great!
Snow White (played by Charlotte Haines) was also an amazing singer and I think perfect for the role of the Princess. She was super sweet which is just like Snow!
I’d also like to mention the Chuckle Brothers again, as their comedy was perfect! Paul and Barry were honestly hilarious! They were throwing pies into the audiences faces, throwing crisps at us, water pistols and even attempted some magic along the way. I honestly think the funniest part of the show was when they tested out how sharp the sword was, it was so funny that I don’t think Paul could stop himself from giggling!
I’d also like to mention that Prince Harry from Hampshire (Oliver Savile) had a gorgeous body and I am very grateful to Queen Lucretia (Craig Revel Horwood) for ripping his shirt off in one of the songs in the first half! Sadly, I don’t have a photo of this 😂
As you can probably guess from my raving review, this pantomime is the best panto I’ve ever seen. I might even persuade my Mum if we can go see it again and this time I’d love to take my niece and nephew to see it as I think they will love it!
Whether you are from Southampton, or can get there easily, this pantomime is a must see! You can book tickets here, I couldn’t recommend the show enough!
I have not been to a Panto in years and it is something that would be perfect for my two little girls. I love the Snow White story so this would be perfect to see. Great review.
Author
It was such a good show!
I live pantomimes and I’m so sorry I didn’t get to see any this year due to work…Snow white’s one of my fave childhood tales. Great review love!
xx Lena
Author
Thank you!
Aww I’d love to see this as I think Craig Revel Horwood is brilliant! I haven’t seen a pantomime in over 20 years – I went to two in Portsmouth when I was at school, they were pretty good. Lovely photos too 😀
Author
Oh my goodness, you need to try and see a panto! They are so much better now than when I was a child! x
Wow, this sounds like you had such an incredible experience. I’ve never seen or heard of pantomimes using anything similar to some of the incredible things they used! Must have been so amazing to see! I don’t live too far from Southampton, may have to look into this – I’m sure my mum and sister would also love it 🙂
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
Author
You definitely have to try and see this if you can! It was that good that I have booked tickets to see it again and this time I will be taking my niece and nephew with me! x
I’d love to see this panto! 💕 I live in Southampton so have seen quite a few now at the Mayflower. This looks like a fabulous show and you captured some brilliant photos! 😍 Thank you for sharing and have a fantastic Christmas 🎄😘 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Author
You should definitely get tickets! The show is just as much for adults as it is for kids! x
Wow this sounds totally amazing! I love Craig on strictly and this panto looks utterly amazing! So sparkly 😍x x x x
Author
It was fab-u-lous! xx
I absolutely love Craig Revel Horwood, so this would be brilliant. I bet he was fab-u-lous, as he would say!
Amy xx
http://www.goldenbooksgirl.wordpress.com
Author
He was strictly fab-u-lous! x
Amazing that they put an effort into making it about the local area. I have a slight confession though, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a panto. Ever. 🙈 x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Author
WHAT! You need to go and see a panto! They are great and such fun! x
So amazing that you got invited to press night, sounds like you had a great time! 💕
Congratulations on being invited to a press event, super exciting! I love Snow White, so glad you had a great time- x