“Mirror, mirror on the wall – what is the most Step-tacular panto of them all?” Seren and Rachel Howells visit Cardiff’s New Theatre for the 2022-23 panto – Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs to find out!
Filled with many funny moments, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs re-treads a familiar tale but with some unexpected twists. The amazing set not only transports you from the castle to the Dwarfs home but also embraces a magical aspect throughout.
When Steps star, Ian ‘H’ Watkins appears dangling from the ceiling as the Spirit of the Mirror the atmosphere was electric, and we knew we would be in for a fantastic night. ‘H’ displays a brilliant head for heights with magical motorcycle flying over the audience at the end of the first half, without a hint of technical effects on display.
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
A scene from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2023 Photo: Tim Dickeson 
Pic Tim Dickeson 09-12-2022 Snow White Panto New Theatre
“Stomp”-ing his way into your heart is ‘Alfie’ aka rugby legend Gareth Thomas, the Henchman who is far too endearing to be bad. There are many hilarious moments when he shares onstage with ‘H’ which may or may not be scripted!
Pantomime Dame, Mike Doyle commands the stage each time he enters as Nurse Nancy. His “’Ow’s it going? Arrrrittte!” and references to “Nanny Jaffa Cake” are as legendary as his extravagant costumes which never fail to get laughs from the audience. Meanwhile, Steve Hewlett brings a new and fun aspect through the medium of ventriloquism to the role of Muddles.
Sian Reeves displays her wicked side as Queen Lucretta, displaying magical abilities through the power of hypnotism and magically transforming into an old woman to trick Prince Carwyn (Nay Nay Gapomo). While on the other extreme Denquar Chupak gives a delightful portrayal of Snow White and displays a tender moment in the second half when she sings the Steps ballad, Heartbeat.
Last, but not least are Gareth Elis, Ella Howlett, Mia Jae, Tiaan Jones, JB Maya, James Rockey and Dafydd Weeks who deliver plenty of “Heigh Ho’s” from their positioned lows as The Magnificent Seven.
There were lots of opportunities to get up and dance especially to Steps favourites, so if you’re planning to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs it might worth looking on YouTube to brush up on your “Steps” hits beforehand. Another highlight was ‘H’, Alfie, Mike Doyle and Steve Hewlett’s rendition of the traditional panto version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. This year’s version didn’t disappoint and there were lots of laughs including toilet paper and Alfie’s balls!
Featuring much in the way of laughter and fun, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs is a “Step-tacular” panto – it would be a “Tragedy” to miss it!
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at Cardiff’s New Theatre until January 8, 2022. For ticket details visit the New Theatre website.