Conor O’Neill
33 years! That’s how many Christmas pantos May McFettride (John Linehan) has under her belt. And she’s still giving it her all. This year it’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. As ever Paddy Jenkins is her faithful assistant, playing the Wicked Queen’s henchman to MCFettridge’s May of the Mirror. The rewriting of this kids ‘favourite was penned by Alan McHugh. With, of course, plenty of room for McFettridge’s trademark humour. I’m often left scratching my head in wonderment as to who actually books seats in the first few rows; they’re bound to know they’ll be in the firing line.
If it’s not the roots of their hair it’s their hometown that’s lambasted. “Where are you from? Lisburn, how long did it take you to get here from Poleglass?”
Of course, this is far from a one man show. Phil Walker (son of the comedian and former Catchphrase host Roy Walker) is court jester Muddles, who the kids instantly take a shine to. The ‘Oh not it isn’t’ and ‘She’s behind you’ start early and continue for the entirety of the fun-packed show.
What would panto be without a baddie? And this year sees Belfast’s Jolene O’Hara as the evil Queen Dragonella and Lurgan’s Conor Headley as Prince Conall of Colraine. Dublin’s Aisling Sharkey makes her Grand Opera House debut as Snow White. The main players, of course with the seven dwarfs are kept in line under the tutelage of director and main choreographer, Jonny Bowles.
The plot is fairly simple, recue Snow White from the wicked Queen, and of course, find Muddles’ lost shirt. If Disney songs and constant gags weren’t enough, Flawless of Britain’s Got Talent fame play the Queen’s Guards and throw in some nifty dance routines into the mix. Quite what they added to the plot is beyond reason, but hey, it’s Christmas and we’re not talking high-brow theatre here, the parents got the urine taken out of them and the kids were left open mouthed.
Last year I thought May McFettridge had one, maybe two years left in her at this pace, I’ve quite revised my thinking after seeing this performance. McFettridge is in fine fiddle and as with the previous 33 years, gives every night her all. Long may the Queen reign.
Unmissable panto for adults and kids alike!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs up to and including Sunday, January 14th, 2024.
For booking details visit http://www.goh.co.uk or simply phone the box office on 02890 241919
ENDS
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