Snow White ★★★★ Emerald Theatre | Dec 17, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026


This adult-themed, all-drag panto delivers all the seasonal fun and silliness one could hope for, and then some. There are plenty of clever jokes mixed with a fair number of groaners, alongside some strong physical comedy and parodies of familiar tunes that genuinely raise a laugh. The contemporary cultural references are right up to date and so numerous it is hard to catch them all. Everything from the new Paddington Bear musical to The Traitors gets a mention. Nods to RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Great British Bake Off come thick and fast, with the latter earning extra resonance thanks to drag king Oliver Clothezoff, who plays the Prince, having previously appeared on the show. Not all of the material lands. Some well worn sexual puns feel overdue for retirement, as does the "Twelve Days of Christmas" routine. Even so, there are far more hits than misses, although the second act does seem to lose a little momentum. We were also left uncertain about why Keir Starmer had been included in the rogues’ gallery alongside JK Rowling and Prince Andrew. For the most part, the breaking of the fourth wall is handled well and the self-referential asides generally hit the mark, particularly the running gag about this being a play with a message. On the night we attended, however, the humour drawn from actors' slip-ups, whether accidental or deliberate, was overplayed and at one point the show felt like an in-joke the cast was enjoying while the audience was being left in the cold. Full marks to writers Crudi Dench and Kate Butch, the latter also impressing as the hilariously questioning Huntsthem. Tiana Biscuit brings a terrific voice to the production, while Yshee Black is excellent as the Magic Mirror, seemingly not quite ready for green screening. Kitty Scott Claus sparkles as Fairy Hanny, and Kyran Thrax, fresh from winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 6, is deliciously self satisfied as the Wicked Queen. All in all, this is a panto that knows how to sashay. When it stumbles, it does so with enough glitter, camp, and knowing wit to keep you on side. A few numbers could be tucked and tightened, but there is no denying the heart, humour, and high kicks on display. While not flawless, this Snow White is fierce, festive, and well worth saying “yas queen” to as the curtain falls.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Piers Allardyce

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 8 Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2AB, UK

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