The Wayfarers Pantomime Society brings its signature sparkle to Taunton Brewhouse with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a riotous family pantomime running January 11-17, 2026. Bursting with laughter, catchy tunes, dazzling costumes, and heaps of audience participation, this magical twist on the classic tale promises villain boos, hero cheers, and fairy dust for all ages. Tickets fly fast—book now for Taunton’s festive treat at the intimate Coal Orchard venue.
Show Synopsis and Panto Magic
Snow White flees her vain Evil Queen’s poisoned mirror curse, tumbling into an enchanted forest cottage shared with seven quirky Dwarfs. Romance blooms with a dashing Prince, while slapstick schemes, bumbling comedy, and sing-along hits pit good against wicked hilarity. Expect apple gags, dwarf dances, and crowd cries of «He’s behind you!» Wayfarers’ 60+ year tradition infuses local flavour—Somerset accents, Taunton nods—for heartwarming hilarity.
Runtime 2 hours including interval; suitable ages 4+, with relaxed performances for sensory needs.
Performance Dates and Schedule
Seven glittering shows pack the Brewhouse’s 350-seat auditorium:
- Sunday, January 11, 2026: 13:30 (matinee), 17:30 (evening)
- Monday, January 12, 2026: 19:00
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026: 19:00
- Thursday, January 15, 2026: 19:00
- Friday, January 16, 2026: 19:00
- Saturday, January 17, 2026: 14:00 (matinee), 18:00 (gala finale)
Doors 30min prior; no late entry policy keeps magic flowing. Running time varies with audience energy—rowdy crowds extend fun!
The Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Wayfarers’ ensemble blends pros and amateurs, Taunton talents shining bright.
Principal Cast:
- Snow White: Graceful local soprano Emily Hargreaves, stunning vocals and charm.
- Evil Queen: Menacing powerhouse Amanda Worsdale, behind-scenes maestro too.
- Prince Charming: Dashing tenor Jack Fletcher, romantic lead with pipes.
- Muddles (comic): Hilarious honcho Dan Thompson, slapstick king.
- Fairy Godmother: Sparkly sorcery by veteran Vivienne Coles.
- Seven Dwarfs: Led by cheeky Dopey (non-verbal mime specialist), grumpy Doc (growly laughs), plus Sleepy, Sneezy, Bashful, Happy, and Sneezy—quirky chorus steals scenes.
Ensemble/Chorus: 20+ villagers, forest folk, animals—kids and adults auditioned locally.
Creative Team:
- Director/Choreographer: Amanda Worsdale, Wayfarers stalwart.
- Musical Director: Taunton Philharmonic’s Sarah Jenkins.
- Designer: Vibrant sets/costumes by Brewhouse workshops.
- Lighting/Sound: Pro tech elevates illusions.
Rehearsals since November 2025 at Wayfarers’ HQ; cast bonds over pub pies post-run-throughs.
Ticket Prices and Booking Guide
Affordable family fun:
- Adults: £21
- Concessions (60+, students, unemployed): £19
- Children (4-16): £17
- Family (2A+2C): £70
- Groups 10+: £16/head
Matinees £2 less; no unaccompanied under-16s. Box office: tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk or 01823 283244 (Mon-Sat 10am-5pm). Online secure, e-tickets/printed accepted. Postage £1; collection free.
Selling fast—matinees 70% gone, Saturdays near sellout. Loyalty scheme: prior Wayfarers buyers 10% repeat discount. Gift vouchers festive options. Accessibility: wheelchair £21, companion free; audio-described January 15.
Venue Details: Taunton Brewhouse
Heart-of-Taunton Coal Orchard theatre (TA1 1JL) hosts since Wayfarers’ residency. 350 seats intimate—front rows splash zone! Bar serves mulled wine, popcorn; interval ice creams £2. Parking: nearby multi-storey £3 evening. Buses: 1/2/3/19 drop doorstep.
Family amenities: baby-changing, relaxed show audio-cued. Café pre-show treats.
What to Expect: Panto Highlights
Classic ingredients: boo-worthy Queen, dwarf antics, Prince rescues, balloon drops. New twists: Somerset Queen coveting cider apples, Dwarfs mining Taunton cheese! Hits: «Hi-Ho,» Queen baddie ballads, group dances. Participation galore—join choruses, spot baddies.
Runtime tweaks for kids; sweets thrown nightly. Gala finale fireworks illusion caps magic.
Schedule Table
| Date | Matinee | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Jan 11 | 13:30 | 17:30 |
| Mon Jan 12 | – | 19:00 |
| Wed Jan 14 | – | 19:00 |
| Thu Jan 15 | – | 19:00 |
| Fri Jan 16 | – | 19:00 |
| Sat Jan 17 | 14:00 | 18:00 |
Behind-the-Scenes with Wayfarers
Taunton’s amateur powerhouse since 1962, Wayfarers packs Brewhouse annually—Dick Whittington 2025 sold out. 50+ members bake sets, stitch costumes, busk rehearsals. Youth wing grooms Dwarfs; alumni tread West End. Amanda Worsdale directs 10th panto, passion infectious.
Rehearsals juggle day jobs—warehouse workers mornings, teachers evenings. Charity tie-in: post-show collections Ronald McDonald House.
Audience Tips and FAQs
Dress festive—tiaras encouraged! Arrive early bar queues. No flash photos; filming banned. Running late? Box office mercy. Refunds: full 48hrs pre-show. Running time 120min+interval.
COVID: masks optional; ventilation top-notch. Allergies: nut-free sweets.
Why It’s a Must-See Family Tradition
Brewhouse panto forges memories—generations return yearly. Local laughs land hardest; kids idolise Dwarfs. Critics rave: «Panto perfection» Somerset Live. Affordable joy amid January blues.
Booking Urgency and Extras
Tickets 80% presales—Saturdays vanishing! VIP packages: meet Dwarfs £10 add-on. School groups £12/head daytime. Merch: programmes £4, dwarf teddies £8.
Wayfarers’ Snow White sparkles Taunton 2026—grab seats for Somerset’s silliest spectacle. Fairy tale fun awaits—book today!
Nikhita Jose is a journalist and content writer covering local news, community affairs, and public interest stories in Somerset. She focuses on clear, accurate reporting and brings a thoughtful, reader-first approach to regional journalism.