The story of Snow White has been told time and time again. But, a new production of the classic fairytale is coming to Riverside in September, and you haven’t seen anything quite like this.
Eliza Sunderland is a UK-based performer who first met Bonnie Lythgoe and Christopher Wood last year when she was starring in a pantomime called ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
According to Sunderland, she made quite the impression on the duo, having been asked to audition ahead of the creation of their new show, ‘Snow White’.
“Chris emailed me a few months ago asking me if I would be interested in auditioning for the role of Snow White,” she said.
“It was a shock to be asked to audition for the show in Australia. I never would have guessed that. But, it was amazing.”
The show isn’t your typical retelling of the fairytale, instead consisting of interactive humour to the backdrop of an incredible soundtrack, ranging from Dua Lipa and Lizzo to other Disney hits.
“Chris got me to audition with ‘A Journey to the Past’ from ‘Anastasia’. I’ve always loved the song, and I’ve never had the opportunity to sing it or audition with it, so when he asked me to sing the song, I was delighted,” she said.
“I asked him if it was going to be in the show, and at the time, he said he wasn’t sure yet, but then we got the rights, so everything’s going well, which is great!”
Alongside Sunderland, stars from across the world will be coming together to bring the production to life.
“I’ve just been sent the script, so I’m excited to read this!” she said.
“Obviously the cast is amazing. We have people like Sir Cliff Richard in it, we have Barry who played Doody in ‘Grease’, we have Deborah [Krizak]. It’s just amazing to see how different the cast is, and how we’ve been brought together from different parts of the world and different walks of life.”
The show will also include recorded scenes from Kyle Sandilands as Mirror Disgruntled.
Having last been to Australia on a cruise contract a number of years ago, Sunderland said one of the most exciting aspects of her doing the show is being able to come back Down Under.
“I don’t usually come to Australia, but I have been to Australia,” she said.
“I’m so looking forward to coming back and just exploring more, seeing more of the people, and just meeting the cast as well.”
As for what people can expect from a night at the theatre watching ‘Snow White’, Sunderland assures there will be something for everyone – not just the kids.
“A panto is always a great laugh to go and see no matter what age you are, and I think with Chris and Bonnie’s work together, I think they really produce that, and they’re going to be able to show that through this amazing cast,” she said.
“I think the writing is witty, it’s funny, it’s relatable. There are moments where you can feel for the characters, and there’s also moments where you’ll be uncontrollably laughing, and children will want to be silly and adults want to be silly. Australia is really going to love this production of ‘Snow White’.”
‘Snow White’ will be on at Riverside Theatres from Saturday, September 7 to Saturday, September 21. For more information, visit http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au.
Cassidy Pearce is Parra News' entertainment journalist and beauty columnist. She is a graduate of the University of Technology Sydney.