Panto season is now well and truly underway, epitomized by the fact that the SG production of Snow White and the Seven Poofs: The Climax is playing to packed houses.
This stalwart of the season is simply wonderful, ninety minutes of song and witty one-liners. It’s also the camaraderie of the cast that makes this show gel. John Moore as the evil queen is on show stopping form, complete with mobility scooter due to a fractured ankle, which just adds to the comedy.
A wonderful prop in the hands of a master comic, his take on Pink’s ‘Get the Party Started had the audience in the palm of his hands, attached to rather limp wrists, and indeed had them ‘ ‘coming up’. Meanwhile, Jonathan Lloyd makes every second he is on stage count in his dual roles of Fairy Bluebell and Skinhead count.
Anthony Poore, reprising his role of Snow White, shines and it’s to his credit that, despite several attempts by his cast mates to make him a corpse, he kept it together, albeit with a slight chuckle and cheeky grin. A true talent!
The supporting cast, Richard Swan, Carman Vass, Victoria Wallington, Shaun Crisp and Adolpho Espina relish the material with gay abandon. There is a stand out performance by Craig Colley as Prince Donkey Dick of Soho, complete with an homage to Roger Moore, he of the raised eyebrow, the lad can carry a tune and should go far in the business of show!
Simon Gross, also reprising his role of Horrible Hilda, knows how to work a room. He is a master of ‘old school’ technique and possesses perfect timing. He is fabulous to watch as he works his magic on members of an enthralled audience.
The flavour of this show is pure, dirty seaside postcard humour, with the costumes and staging re- creating that atmosphere beautifully, and the audience did not want it performed any other way! Hats off, or should that be wigs off, to a cast that deliver a show that works on every intended smutty level. A cast that is full on enthusiasm, an evening of pure joy.
• The Green Carnation Cabaret Venue 4-5 Greek Street Soho, W1D 4DD
• Running to 6th January 2013
• Box Office: 0844 477 1000 or www.ticketweb.co.uk
