An Elvis Presley-inspired Jack Frost and a Fairy Queen Snowdrop, who is not only in touch with her masculine side but also a force to be reckoned with on the Nordic rap scene, ensure this year's Copenhagen Theatre Circle (CTC) pantomime is well worth seeing.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen's famous story, Alaistair Ferguson's traditional British panto showcases elements of Disney's 'Frozen', Nordic legend and a whole lot of Danish flair. Everyone will have their own favourite character – mine was the lost pølser vendor randomly wandering through scenes with his hot dog cart.
This year's wonderfully upbeat performance will leave you smiling in your seat throughout, but it might be longer than expected. The final part of the second act made me relive the sensation I experienced during the third Lord of the Rings movie. I was ready to get up and leave at least three times thinking it was the end.
The standard of jokes ask for an ironic slow clap by the performers themselves who, in line with a true pantomime, do everything but take themselves too seriously. However not even I, who thinks humour is no laughing matter, could help the odd giggle or two.
Just as enjoyable as watching the show was watching the kids in the front rows. Their exasperated outrage when characters wouldn't listen to their warnings to "look behind them" was a joy to behold.
The audience involvement was top notch and Snowdrop (Tim Haigh) really won me over when he started throwing chocolates into the audience (I WILL fight kids for chocolate). Or at least that was before his four adorable little snowflakes melted my heart.
The Snow Queen Sibernia had her piercing evil laugh down to a T, and isn't opposed to taking a selfie with her enslaved Kai – take that Helle Thorning-Schmidt. And thigh-slapping prince Boreas and his reindeer Drizzle make a likeable team – but despite Drizzle's glaring red nose, don't dare make the mistake of calling him Rudolph!
The show has some fairly good singing in it, and you better not be shy or too grown-up to join in because if there's one thing a panto audience shouldn't be it's quiet. The intimate and cosy atmosphere, and the closeness to the stage and its performers really lends itself to getting involved.
Even though Christmas is over, this is a great way to pass the winter season with flying snowflakes.
The CTC presents The Snow Queen
Following tonight's performance, there are just four remaining shows. However, both the weekend matinees have sold out, which just leaves the 19:30 shows on Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost 100 kroner for children under 12 and 160 kroner for adults and can be purchased via the CTC's website, ctcircle.dk.
