Maureen Nolan

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s that time of year again when Dame’s don their sparkliest frocks and soap stars leave the chaos of the cobbles for something altogether more dramatic, panto!

St Helens Theatre Royal and Regal Entertainment have pulled out all the stops this festive season to bring audiences an absolute Christmas cracker with their glittering version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The cast boasts Maureen Nolan as the Wicked Queen, Corrie star Emrhys Cooper as Prince Fredrick, Hits Radio’s Leanne Campbell as the Magic Mirror, everyone’s favourite funny man Lewis Devine as Muddles, Richard Aucott as Nurse Nelly and Chantelle Morgan as Snow White.

With superb sets and stunning costumes there’s something for everyone in this hugely entertaining production. 

Writer Liam Mellor has packed in many of the traditional panto elements with ample opportunity for booing the Wicked Queen and of course plenty of ‘it’s behind you” while also adding to the traditional with the addition of Jena Leopold & Doggy Delights who utterly charm the audience with their cute canine acrobatics.

Chantelle Morgan who was found in an open casting absolutely shines as Snow White, her vocals are stunning while she embodies the character perfectly. Emrhys Cooper is superb as Prince Fredrick, he’s a real triple threat with a wonderful stage presence, incredible vocals and moves worthy of winning a Stictly glitterball, he’s clearly not afraid to have fun with the role endearing himself to the audience immediately.

St Helens favourite Lewis Devine has the audience in the palm of his hand as Muddles, his pairing with Richard Aucott as Dame Nelly is a joy. The gags come thick and fast keeping the little ones entertained while there is plenty of humour for the adults in the audience too.

Leanne Campbell appears in prerecorded scenes in the form of a magic mirror which works perfectly. The dwarfs are also prerecorded voices of several local celebrities from Johnny Vegas to Pete Price, brought to life by talented puppeteers. 

Maureen Nolan saves her most loved hit last gifting us with the chance to boogie during the finale while the senior dancers deliver Nazene Langfield’s choreography with precision adding depth to the production and really upping the wow factor to the ensemble numbers.

The show is packed with laugh out loud moments, heaps of audience interaction and impressively high production values ensuring that this Snow White is another crowd pleaser. This fabulous family show is the perfect opportunity to gather with your loved ones and make some wonderful festive memories together.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is on at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 12th January tickets available here.

Peter Bergin is Peter Pan!

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PAN-CharacterShot(Pan-Peter1)-001

Peter Bergin who trained at Rose Bruford, will take flight in Blackpool as he takes over the role of Peter Pan from Jake Quickenden who will soon be appearing on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

Featuring a live band, lavish set and spectacular costumes, JM Barrie’s classic story has been wowing audiences at Blackpool’s Winter Garden’s since December 16th. Read our ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review here.

Also appearing are TV star Jennifer Ellison as the villainous Captain Hook, Blackpool’s own Maureen Nolan as Mrs Darling and Radio Wave’s Breakfast Host Scott Gallagher as Hook’s hapless sidekick, Smee.

The show runs until Sunday 7th January, offering audiences just a handful more opportunities to capture this magical family, musical adventure!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Peter Pan

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Pan a

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Promising to be a ‘musical adventure’ Selladoor Worldwide bring J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan to Blackpool’s Opera House this festive season.

Starring X Factor, I’m A Celeb and soon to be Dancing On Ice favourite Jake Quickenden as Pan with Liverpool legend Jennifer Ellison as the villainous Hook and Maureen Nolan as Mrs Darling, Peter Pan is a magical, feel-good, re-telling of an all time classic.

Designer Jessica Curtis sets the action beneath a large eye catching & atmospheric draped tipi, a simple but effective set which lends itself well to scene changes and captivates audiences imaginations as we fly with Pan, Wendy, John and Michael through their bedroom window to Neverland.

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Quickenden is on fine form as he makes his stage debut, he is hugely likeable and makes for a charismatic Pan, showcasing his vocal talents beautifully in each of the crowd pleasing musical numbers which include Uptown Funk, Can’t Stop The Feeling and We Are Family.

Ellison’s Hook perfectly compliments Quickenden’s Pan, she is fierce, feisty and boy does she know how to play a baddie……oh yes she does! She has the audience in the palm of her hand from the off as she revels in the boos and delights in the hisses, a glint of devilment in her eyes, she’s all about having fun with this role and giving the audience the great time they came for.

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The strong supporting cast work incredibly hard doubling up as both the Lost Boys and Hook’s motley crew to great effect. Director Kirstie Davis ensures each character is clearly defined as they work together seamlessly, each and every cast member full of energy and enthusiasm, engaging the audience entirely. With an additional creative element of puppets taking on the role of Nanny the Dog and the ticking crocodile, both really add to the magic of the piece. Special mention must also go to Grace Osborn as Wendy, strong and sassy, her duet of Breakaway with Quickenden is a real highlight of the show.

The promise of a musical adventure is entirely accurate, while there are some of the fun elements of panto with audience interaction and great humour delivered by local Radio favourite Scott Gallagher as Smee, Robert Marsden’s adaptation of Peter Pan is a step up from the cheeky gags of panto and is more a musical dramatisation of a classic tale. Act One allows the audience to settle into the production before a fast paced all action second act keeps everyone engaged as they will Pan to win the day as he battles to save Wendy, John and Michael from walking Hook’s plank.

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The production has something for everyone, an engaging story, well chosen musical numbers, lots of humour as well as strong individual performances. Let your heart be warmed by this magical adventure, highly entertaining, well delivered and jolly good family fun.

On at Blackpool’s Opera House until Saturday 7th January tickets available here.