‘Snow White’: This pantomime is fun with a capital F!

After an absence of several years producer Bonnie Lythgoe who is regarded as the ‘Queen of Panto’ brings her favourite pantomime Snow White back to the stage.

A hilarious all new production celebrates the 10-year anniversary of presenting pantos to Australian audiences.

The wonderful cast is fronted by Debora Krizak as the Wicked Queen, Eliza Sunderland as the very genuine and beautiful Snow White and Tim Maddren as Prince Sebastian. Projected images of Sir Cliff Richard and Kyle Sandilands playing the roles of ‘Mirror Enchanted’ and ‘Mirror Disgruntled’ respectively, have also been recorded for the show.

Musical Theatre actress Debora Krizak who has starred in countless productions including Mamma Mia!, Jerry’s Girls and We Will Rock You recently sat down to talk to City Hub about the new panto Snow White.

“This panto is hilarious – laugh out loud funny and the epitome of what pantomime should be with great performers, and everybody is at the top of their game.”

Krizak has watched all of Bonnie Lythgoe’s pantomimes and explained she is elated to finally be performing in her very first pantomime. When asked how working on a pantomime compares to working on a musical theatre production like Mamma Mia! she was quick to respond.

“Musical Theatre is held together by a script and storytelling by songs whereas pantomimes involve the audience who are very much a part of what we’re doing, that’s the big difference. The kids need to know what the story is, there are adult references, modern day references as well and the story still needs to be followed.”

When asked whether playing the role of the Wicked Queen would be a challenge Krizak laughingly responded “Oh! It’s a challenge for me to be so nasty to play the villain as I’m so sweet!”

She then agreed that it’s going to be so much fun.  “The whole thing is bloody fun with a capital F! Everybody on stage is so watchable and so fricken funny and everybody loves to boo and hiss the villain!”

When asked if the wicked Queen is pure evil or whether she has any redeeming qualities Krizak paused momentarily.

“Her redeeming quality is of course that she is competing with Snow White, she wants to hang on to her youth and wants to be the fairest in the land and you have to feel a little sad for her – I think we can all sympathize with her even though I’ll be giving Snow White a run for her money!”

The booing and hissing are one part of the audience reaction which Krizak said she isn’t sure about. “I’m wondering how that’s all going to sit, that’ll be quite interesting for me whether I play with that. Obviously, it’s scripted but there’s room to play with the audience. That’ll be something new for me.”

There’s an enjoyable mix of music in this production, classic songs including Time After Time and original songs from UK songwriter Olly Ashmore as well as music from Dua Lipa, Lizzo and Jade Moss. The sets and costumes are spectacular and there is also an incredible ensemble of young dancers.

As Krizak explained Snow White is a show for adults and children.

“Not only will adults love the music but there are so many adult references that they will find hilarious. Of course the story is easy to follow for the kids and they’ll love Snow White and the Prince. Definitely a good night out with a couple of wines under the belt for the folks!”

Sept 7 – 21. (Fridays & weekend performances only) Riverside Theatres, Cnr Market & Church Street, Parramatta.

https: //riversideparramatta.com.au