By Gary Murray
They’ve done it again!
Oh yes they have!
The team that regularly presents the Devonshire Park Theatre’s annual panto has pulled off yet another cracking show.
From the opening Oasis number, through the spectacular first-half finale and beyond, you know you’re in good hands.
Leave your troubles at the door and you’ll be in for a fun show.
The plot, of course hardly matters. In fact, it’s probably best not to dwell on it: our heroine Snow White is set up to be murdered in the woods by the Wicked Queen and then be rescued by seven vertically-challenged diamond miners!
The comedy heart of the panto is provided by regulars Martyn Knight as the dame, and Tucker as, well, Tucker, playing a vegetarian huntsman called Herbie Vore.
Georgie Hales is Snow White making her Eastbourne panto debut, along with Ben Tyler as the Prince who is key to much of the comedy. That involves, notably, a great set-piece version of the 12 Days of Christmas in Act Two.
And, of course, our chance to boo and hiss comes courtesy of Carli Norris as a wicked queen not afraid to get down with her funky side!
There is even a surprise virtual ‘appearance’ as the talking mirror by a well-known celebrity.
I had only a couple of minor quibbles. The seven dwarves are voiced off stage and sometimes it’s a little tricky to tell who is speaking. And the ‘getting a few children up on stage’ bit comes right at the end. Although it works, it seems to be a bit of an afterthought.
But this is a highly-crafted quality show, aided by sets and costumes in the bright colours of panto – lots of reds and yellows, plus green everywhere.
The songs and dance are also top quality.
It’s great to see the old theatre so full: Eastbourne loves its panto and it will love this one. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, then get them soon!
:: Snow White runs at the Devonshire Park Theatre until Sunday, 12 January, 2025. Book here
:: The reviewer’s ticket was provided by Eastbourne Theatres
:: Main image: the cast at Herstmonceux Castle and Observatory Science Centre / Photo: Eastbourne Theatres
