Review: Snow White pantomime at The Lyric Theatre Carmarthen.

IF the litmus test of any good pantomime is that it must keep two 60-somethings and a four-year-old grand-daughter entertained, then Snow White passed with flying colours.

The Theatrau Sir Gâr production at The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen ticked all the boxes.

Great audience participation, some good old slapstick, jokes both corny and contemporary, a couple of injections of subtle innuendo, plenty of catchy musical numbers, a wonderfully wicked villain and a larger-than-life dame.

Add a smashing heroine (and hero!) into the mix, together with a special ‘guest appearance’ by one of Carmarthen’s most famous sons, and you get a show which leaves you with a warm contented glow.

There were plenty of belly-laughs for the 60-somethings. And our grand-daughter was engaged from start to finish – and delighted to be singing along to her favourite K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Golden at the show’s close.

This is the third consecutive year Theatrau Sir Gâr have produced their own show. They worked in partnership with leading UK pantomime producer Imagine Theatre. It’s a recipe that works a treat – and most audience members will already be pencilling Dick Whittington into their calendars for next year’s show.

Carmarthen’s own Steve Elias – actor, director, and choreographer – was a hoot as Dame Dolly Mixture, with plenty of ad-libs to keep his fellow cast members (and the excellent sign language interpreter!) on their toes.

Carmarthen’s own stand-up comedian and podcaster, Elis James, made a special virtual appearance as The Spirit of the Mirror.

Bridgend actress Ceri-Anne Thomas, who charmed audiences as Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Lyric last year and at Porthcawl Pavilion in 2023, filled the title role of Snow White.

Carmarthen-born Alexandra George was a wonderfully wicked Queen Evilyn, while Nathan Guy stepped into the the role of ‘court jester’ Jingles.

The dashing prince was Abe Armitage, a recent graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD).

Special praise, too, for the local young performers,who joined the junior ensemble cast – adding plenty of energy to a very professional production.

This year’s panto run includes: Relaxed Performances on December 17, at 6pm, and December 19, at 10am

To book, visit www.theatrausirgar.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0345 226 3510, or email theatres@carmarthenshire.gov.uk for group bookings.

Snow White runs until December 29.

Article written by Rob Lloyd