4 days Ago
Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle Its pantomime may be a late starter this year but the Tyne Theatre on Westgate Road was soon rocking to laughter, pop and show songs, hip hop dancing and, of course, falling in love with Snow White and the loveable seven dwarfs. As always, the dynamic duo of Charlie Richmond (Muddles) and his "mam" Lewis Denny (Dame Dotty) were the energetic and comedic driving force of this fun-filled adventure but they were backed up by an excellent cast that included Penelope McDonald as the evil baddie Queen Rubiana who, as we know, wasn't the fairest in the land. (Image: TYNE THEATRE) That accolade belonged to Grace Anne Davison (Snow White), who danced and sang beautifully.
Being a forthright sort (she's from South Shields), Davison entered the stage and sang Girls Just Want To Have Fun, and that's what it was from start to finish. Very much in keeping with a traditional pantomime, there was lots of audience interaction, water sprays and silly, but original, jokes that made me laugh out loud, including "What's red and bad for your teeth?" "A brick!" Richmond and Denny have established themselves as a formidable pairing. (Image: TYNE THEATRE) It was also very pleasing to see a Gascoigne centre stage in Newcastle again.
The son of a former Geordie world-class footballer, Regan Gascoigne (Prince Gazza of Gosforth) has cut a career path on stage by his own merits; a winner of ITV's Dancing on Ice, he dances, sings and acts well. An excellent choice. His duet with Snow White was beautiful.
When I said this was a "traditional" pantomime, there was a twist. It included a couple of the evil queen's gofers - Henchman Twist (Ashly Glazebrook) and Henchman Pulse (Glen Murphy) - who are hip hop dancers. Winners of Britain's Got Talent - The Champions, they danced (boy-band style) throughout but really came into their own with a five-minute piece that was spellbinding and included eclectic song snippets that ranged from Shake It Off by Taylor Swift to Doll on a Music Box (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang).
Most read: Unwrap savings this Christmas with the Northern Echo! Our biggest sale of the year makes it more affordable than ever to enjoy trusted local news. My companions Everly, eight, and Willow, 13, loved it, dancing along in their seats to the whole gamut. Even to an old timer like me it was mesmerizing.
(Image: TYNE THEATRE) Then there were the Seven Dwarfs (a collective "Ahhhhh" on their appearance). Each had an individual personality and, thanks to their bravery, Snow White was saved from death after she's eaten the poisoned apple given to her by Queen Rubiana. Love's true kiss was supplied by Prince Gazza of "Gossy".
Obviously there was a wedding, lovely costumes and a happy ending in the story but there was an equally happy ending in the theatre as people trooped out onto a cold and dark Westgate Road with a warm feeling courtesy of another cracking Tyne Theatre pantomime. Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs runs at the Tyne Theatre, Newcastle, until Sunday, January 5, 2025. For ticket prices and booking details visit www.
tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/.
