For the past 3 years we have had the pleasure of being invited along to South Mill Arts panto located in Bishops Stortford.

This year we were treated to a production of Snow White lead by an extremely talented cast.

But lets start by introducing the venue, I'll admit that before working with them I'd never heard of South Mill Arts which is surprising considering they are just 30 minutes from Hertford by car but this little theatre really packs a mighty punch.

The free car parking is a real plus also! Remember to enter your reg at the reception desk.

What I love most about South Mill Arts is that clearly a lot of love goes into the production by the whole team. Staff are ready with a friendly welcome and the decoration captivates you from the moment you step inside, from apples and snowflakes hanging from the ceiling to cleverly designed magic mirrors behind the bar a lot of thought and heart has gone into the whole venue and to me this is just as important as the production itself. I want to feel immersed in the story from the very first moment I step inside and South Mill Arts are always spot on with this!

Stepping inside the theatre to take our seats (and they are very plush comfy seats at South Mill Arts I may add) and I was immediately impressed with the set design, a magic mirror set to one side and a dazzling back drop let us know we were in for another panto-tastic display this year. Although of course as soon as I heard it was another of  Ian McFarlane‘s productions I already knew this panto was set for success - this cast and crew never fail to deliver! Which is why the performance we went to was a sell out. 

This is a very different take on the classic tale of Snow White, of course many the elements are the same there are 7 little friends in the woods- though maybe not quite as you'd expect, a brilliant magic mirror and of course a poisoned apple but there is a fresh new take on many of the other aspects of this production which breaths fresh life into a old tale.

There is one name on the cast list who is synonymous with Panto at South Mill Arts a powerhouse whose name is Etta Williams, usually the goodie, the princess or the heroine but this years production saw her turn her transformed into the shows baddie -the wicked queen ! Etta is a huge talent worthy of any stage, I could listen to her sing all day and a particular highlight of the show was her rendition of "pink pony club" or rather "pink princess club" on this occasion which was just effortlessly good! A sheer delight for the senses.

Snow White is brought to life by Rebecca Rolle whose enchanting genuine performance will have you falling in love with her from the very first note. Her naturally likeability shines through making her a very convincing princess who even the audience wishes was their friend with a beautiful voice to boot.

But of course in pantoland every princess needs a prince and Ned Doherty brings to life the wonderful Prince Leo who is am ample match for our lovable heroine . Snow and Leo share a wonderful duet of Golden by K Pop Demon Hunters (which is a seriously hard song to sing), and had the little ones dancing in their seats and clapping along as they failed to miss a beat- a triumph!

Now of course every Panto needs a lovable rogue, a hapless but charming character to bring the fun and this brings us to Dexter played by the hilarious Nathan French.He had us all giggling away throughout. My youngest especially thought he was very funny!

Our cast is completed by Emily-May Palmer (Goldilocks), Harvey Westwood (Jack and the beanstalk) and Finn Williams (Pied Piper) - We did say this was a twist on the traditional tale! And honestly this is one of the most talented supporting ensemble casts I've witnessed in panto, all were fantastic. Particular credit to Emily-May however whose performance was really captivating with an incredible stage presence.

And of course panto isn't panto without a junior ensemble and they all did a great job!

If you love musical theatre you will love the inclusion of songs from musicals such as Oliver , The Greatest Showman and Hairspray amongst others . The score ticks all the boxes and with the inclusion of songs from K Pop Demon Hunters and Chappell Roan the diversity is sure to cross the generations with something for everyone.

Snow White at South Mill Arts has everything you could want from a panto this festive period, great music, a hugely talented cast, laughter and drama galore- its a triumph! This production will leave you full of joy -If you only see one Christmas Show this December- make it this one!

As we left the theatre my 7 year old turned to his dad and said "That was Perfect" and truthfully it was. 

This is a twist on the traditional tale of Snow White with our heroine desperate to prove her worth as a princess and gain her princess license. Will good triumph evil? Will Snow prove she is worthy of the title of princess? Will there be a happy ending in Bishops Stortford- you'll have to come along to find out!

Snow White is running until 2nd Jan with Tickets from £18.50 but be quick tickets are selling fast!

Thanks for reading

Kayleigh & The Boys

XxxX