The fairest of them all? - Woking New Victoria Theatre, Panto Review 2025 *****

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the press night for this year’s pantomime at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking! This year’s production is ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ – but is it the fairest of them all? Read my review to find out…

I’d like to say a huge thank you to Sam and the rest of the Woking New Victoria team for such a warm welcome; it was a fun and fabulous evening for all!

This year’s pantomime, ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’, was exciting from the curtain up! Every set piece, lighting state and costume, designed by Simon Wilkinson (Lights) and Teresa Nalton (Costume), dazzled and wowed – as did the cast, including Lesley Joseph and ‘Judge’ Rob Rinder.

Lesley Joseph as Queen Dragonella - Credits:

Lesley Joseph is our villain, ‘Queen Dragonella’ – with Joseph’s extensive list of previous jobs and pantomimes, I was extremely excited to see her performing in this one. Her comedic skills are pure brilliance and she made a character that we loved to hate – but still had a soft spot for (or at least the grown-ups did!). Outstanding brilliance from Lesley Joseph is just one of the reasons to see this panto!

Rob Rinder, A.K.A. ‘Judge Rinder’, played ‘The Man in the Mirror’ with an air of camp fabulousness, and top to toe in sparkles, Rinder really shone in this. I have never really taken note of Rob Rinder as a performer, as I mainly recognise him in his role as ‘Judge’; it was amazing to see the energy and excitement he brought to the stage, as well as some very smooth Elvis-style vocals too. I won’t spoil it, but Rinder’s ending to Act One is quite spectacular and had me in disbelief.

Rob Rinder as The Man in the Mirror - Credits: Ian Olsson

The titular role of Snow White was played wonderfully by Briana Craig, who gave Snow White a great personality – especially when getting sassy with the Queen! Her vocals were delightful, and she was exceedingly animated throughout the show!

Scott Maurice as Prince William - Credits: Ian Olsson

Her Prince William of Westfield was played by theatre star Scott Maurice, who again brought smooth vocals and a fantastic performance; the pair had a lovely chemistry onstage – it was a delight to watch.

Aaron James as Muddles - Credits: Ian Olsson

Aaron James plays Muddles the Jester and had the audience in stitches every couple of minutes. His outrageous talent for comedy really elevates his role in the production and his delivery of lines either landed perfectly on the ears of the young audience, or sailed over their heads and tickled the older audience members. He creates a ‘Muddles’ for all, not just for the children. I would be excited to see him perform in another panto in the years to come.

What’s Snow White without her ‘Magnificent Seven’, made up of Fergus Rattigan, Karen Anderson, Greg Doherty, Andrew Martin, Ali Mawji, Ana Novoseltseva and Marcus Truman. The audience lapped up their infectious positive energy, always cheering and clapping for them upon every entrance. What a ‘Magnificent’ performance (excuse the pun!).

Briana Craig (Snow White) and the 'Magnificent Seven' - Credits: Ian Olsson

And completing the cast is an ensemble of dancers with immense talent; they are: Thomas Charles, Abigail Chown, Amelie Cohen, George Fryer, Maeia Houston, Max Hunter, Dylan McDonald and Jaya Villiers. They stunningly execute Joanna Goodwin’s choreography, which matches the upbeat and popular musical numbers ever so well!

The production values in Woking’s pantomime are always second to none – it is a quality of panto I have never witnessed before (until last year’s production, which was the first I ever saw!). There is relevant humour and jokes, a couple of pantomime classic sequences such as ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ and, of course, a glitzy finale!

In my opinion, this year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs truly is the fairest of them all. What more could you possibly want for a festive fun night out, other than a stellar cast, great music and a production that shines above the rest?

If you see one pantomime this year, make it Woking’s Snow White! You won’t regret it… Oh no you won’t!

Catch it now, until the 4th January 2026 at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking - Tickets available - Here!

10th December 2025

Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants