Snow White at Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Deb Mackenzie
Our evening started as a mad dash down the wet, dark and gloomy road towards Stirling; nothing can shake the depressing dark dampness away than a perfect Panto. Snow White had us glowing from within as we booed and joined in with the antics on stage.
Not having been to the Macrobert Arts Centre before, which is adjoining Stirling University, there is lots of parking and disabled spaces near the entrance. Entering the building you can see it is an up-to-date theatre, wide roomy areas to socialise in leading to the usual confectionary stands and bar to get your drinks and nibbles. The seating reminded me of an old-style school gymnasium with the seating much like bleachers. But they were extremely comfortable and not even the tallest person could obstruct your view of the stage.
Snow White written by Johnny McKnight and Directed by Julie Ellen took this fairy-tale and weaved it into a wide variety of different musicals and artists. If there wasn’t the large sign saying Snow White when it first started, you would be questioning if you had indeed arrived at the right show. The spectacular play on names and words kept you laughing until the very end. My favourite was Nanny Maria Shut-Yon-Trapp who went to help Baroness Fantasia De’Wharff with her seven unruly stepchildren, especially the wild Snow White.
Settled into her role as Nanny Maria, she discovers that Fantasia has an evil plan to murder Snow White and run away with the dashing Prince Rupert Charming-Darling. Now will Nanny Maria defeat evil? Will Snow White marry her prince?
Swanky De’Wharff (Helen McAlpine) was the height of many of the children on stage, but she owned the stage with her bold personality and cheeky remarks and jokes that had the audience laughing aloud. She knew how to get us shouting out, participating and becoming part of the show.
The children from Macrobert Youth Theatre were amazing. Their timing and singing was flawless and it was apparent they were having a ball doing their routines. They put magic into the show; their confidence grew from the first opening scene until the end. These are our stars of the future and look forward to seeing their names in lights as they progress in the love of theatre and entertainment.
The costumes are bright, gaudy as expected but the actors looked comfortable and able to move easily. The children that had been locked up behind the magical mirrors were dressed in silver giving the illusion of becoming part of the mirror. Extremely well thought out, and I loved that the mirror was an actual face.
Many Pantos use special effects that include loud bangs and the evil step parent can be frightening for many of the younger audience goers, but Snow White was just lots of good fun, funny puns and jokes for all the audience both young and old. I appreciate this as it is something a family can go to and build core memories together.
Rating: 5/5
Wednesday 27th November to Tuesday 31st December 2024
Matinee and Evening performances
Tickets from £12
More information: https://www.macrobertartscentre.org/shows/583427ATVNVNNMMBLJTRSKPNCMDGMLMVV