The Blackpool Grand Theatre first staged Snow White as its Christmas pantomime for the 2020/21 season. Blackpool panto favourite and BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Steve Royle starred as Muddles, marking his 18th consecutive appearance at the Grand Theatre. Royle, from Chorley, is an actor, writer, comedian, and juggler, as well as a “Gillard Award”-winning presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire and a finalist on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent 2020. In recognition of his contributions to the theatre, he was made an honorary member of The Friends of The Grand in 2016.
The classic story of Snow White originates from a 19th-century German fairy tale, written by the Brothers Grimm. The brothers, renowned for their folk tales, published ‘Grimm’s Fairy Tales’ in 1812, where Snow White appears as story number 53. Many of these tales have since become embedded in popular culture, adapted into various forms, including pantomimes and films. Other notable tales from the Brothers Grimm include Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, and Sleeping Beauty. Modern adaptations of these stories often soften the darker elements present in the original versions.
Audiences were invited to experience the magic of this traditional Christmas pantomime. Snow White, destined for an unhappy life under the rule of her wicked stepmother, the Queen, embarks on a journey of hope. With the help of her fun-loving friend Muddles, she encounters a handsome prince who may hold the key to her happiness. Blackpool’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs featured spectacular songs, dazzling costumes, and stunning choreography by Katie Hill, a nominee in the UK Great British Pantomime Awards. The show’s comedy and enchanting storytelling made it a treat for audiences of all ages. There has been speculation that the story of Snow White may have been inspired by the real-life tale of Countess Margarete von Waldeck (1553–1554) and her alleged lover, Philip II of Spain. Margarete was reportedly poisoned at a young age due to political conflicts. Additionally, she had a troubled relationship with her stepmother. Her hometown of Wildungen was also home to copper mines, where young, malnourished children worked under harsh conditions, leading to stunted growth. These child labourers were allegedly referred to as ‘poor dwarfs.’ In 1994, German scholar Eckhard Sander published his findings in Schneewittchen: Märchen oder Wahrheit? (Snow White: Is It a Fairy Tale?), drawing comparisons between the fairy tale and historical events.
Steve Royle has enjoyed a distinguished career in entertainment. In 2019, he starred in the world premiere tour of “Naturally Insane: The Life of Dan Leno,” earning critical acclaim before taking the show to the West End’s Criterion Theatre.
In 2015, he performed 16 nights at Manchester Arena as part of “Phoenix Nights Live,” helping raise over £5 million. That same year, he appeared twice at the London Palladium, performing on “Sunday Night at the Palladium” and as the warm-up act for “One Night with Neil Diamond.” Royle has also supported renowned comedians, including Peter Kay, Mick Miller, Roy Walker, and The Lancashire Hotpots.
A highly sought-after TV warm-up act, Royle has worked on programmes such as “The Rob Brydon Show,” “A Question of Sport,” and “Mastermind.” He also endured over 150 episodes as warm-up for “The Price is Right” with Joe Pasquale. His stand-up career has taken him worldwide, performing in comedy clubs, hotels, and on cruise ships across Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Royle is a regular headliner at The Comedy Store and has numerous TV credits, including appearances on “That’s Entertainment (with Cannon and Ball),” “Phoenix Nights,” “Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere,” and “Peter Kay’s Britain’s Got the Pop Factor…”
For over 12 years, Royle entertained audiences as “Mad Edgar,” the court jester at Camelot Theme Park, delivering over 2,000 juggling shows. Despite encouragement from friends and family, he never expected to succeed on Britain’s Got Talent. However, in August 2020, he became the first act sent through to the final, wowing judges with his comedy juggling routines. His semi-final performance, pre-recorded due to COVID-19 restrictions, featured him performing to a virtual audience and the judges. He advanced to the grand final in October 2020, finishing in third place—a fitting conclusion to an incredible journey on the show.
Steve plays Muddles in Snow White at the Promotional Launch of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Stanley Park, Blackpool.
