Arts:Blog

Theatre Review: Snow White ***

Michael Cox reviews a safe production of the classic tale.

Some productions like to take chances, trying new things out and pushing towards new boundaries, taking audiences on an unexpected journey. These productions, whether they work or not, take courage and can extend a company’s skills for years.

Snow White, currently playing at the King’s in Glasgow, is no such experience. It is about as safe of a show as one is likely to find in Scotland this season.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing.

No surprises in the story here. All one would expect to find in Snow White are on display: a good-hearted princess, a jealous queen, a magic mirror and seven dwarfs that embody specific traits. Good triumphs over evil, true love wins and friendships see people through the worst of times.

Maybe the predictable nature will be the lynchpin in audience’s enjoyment—or not. Disney is certainly referenced here, not only in using some of its iconic songs but in costume as well. Jenny Hayley-Douglas is a good Disney princess: kind, hopeful and easy to like. However, she isn't given much to do until the musical number after the curtain call, but she certainly nails that with full confidence. Allan Jay’s prince is more eye candy and plot device, but he is fine in his moments. As for the dwarfs, the performances differ as much as their personalities, from ‘here to cash a cheque’ to fully committed—the stronger members do mostly manage to carry the weight of the weaker performances.

However, it's in its digressions through its lead actors that the production works best. Des Clarke is relaxing into his role as the comedic male lead, and his Muddles is not just a delight here but is the best he’s been in a King’s panto thus far. Headliner Gregor Fisher certainly seems like he's having fun as Hector—the henchman who goes back and forth between villain and hero. Fisher is more hit-and-miss, with antics that vary between phoned-in to inspired. Juliet Cadzow manages to keep a straight face through most of her performance but cracks a smile occasionally at Clarke and Fisher—far and away her best moments.

Everything else on show is fine: design, direction, chorus and musical numbers. In short, this Snow White manages to be serviceable. No gusto or inspiration, but no major trip-ups either.

Performing at the King’s in Glasgow until January 10, 2016.