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REVIEW: Snow White - Ballet Theatre Queensland


A Magical First for Ballet Theatre Queensland

Let me say this upfront: this is a show you do not want to miss. With a limited run, I urge you to secure your tickets before they vanish. A heartfelt thank you to Ballet Theatre of Queensland and Lucas Lynch for the privilege of attending this extraordinary opening performance and the post-show event where we not only celebrated this production’s incredible achievement, but it also unveiled BTQ’s exciting 2026 and 2027 productions.


Snow White draws the audience into a world where enchantment meets artistry. Choreographed by Clare Morehen with a mesmerising original score by Lucas Lynch, this world-premiere ballet marks a monumental milestone in Ballet Theatre Queensland's history. With over 250 creatives, volunteers, and artists collaborating behind the scenes, Snow White is a breathtaking result of talent, vision, and artistic synergy. The production weaves a traditional fairytale with stunning choreography, brand-new music, and captivating design elements to create a performance that feels simultaneously grand and deeply intimate.


While the Concert Hall at QPAC is typically used for orchestral performances, BTQ manages to transform it into a full ballet stage. It’s easy to understand why they chose the Concert Hall—the pipe organ! As someone who has performed on that very stage many times, I can fully appreciate how tricky it must have been for the stage manager Emma Healy and crew to work within such a space. But what they’ve accomplished is seamless and stunning. The orchestra—Cadenza Chamber Players—have an open pit, allowing me to glimpse each one of the remarkable musicians, including the brilliant Lucas Lynch, whose sparkly suit jacket is just as dazzling as his conducting.



A Triumph in Storytelling

What truly sets BTQ's Snow White apart is its dedication to theatrical storytelling. Under the expert guidance of Clare Morehen and Lucas Lynch, who devoted over 14 months to this labour of love, their collaborative passion and meticulous planning shine through in every scene. It's obvious that every detail has been painstakingly crafted to serve the narrative.


The ballet opens with a stirring prologue, plunging the audience into the Grimm-inspired tale. We dive deep into Snow White's backstory, offering a richer understanding of her journey that is often missing from fairy tale adaptations. Ample time is devoted to portraying Queen Lillian and King Frederick’s loving relationship, their life raising Snow White, and even posing for family portraits, until Queen Lillian’s untimely demise (played with true beauty by Lillian Richmond).


This leads to the King’s hasty marriage to the dazzling yet dastardly Evil Queen, a development that is given equal attention. The ballroom scene is a real showstopper, with 18 dancers in glittering golden masks and gowns executing a grand, classical routine. Enter Sophia Gougoulas, the mysterious woman draped in black and gold. From her ornate mask all the way down to her noir pointe shoes, she exudes an aura of divinity. As she seizes control of the kingdom, everything seems to darken—the lighting grows dimmer, the music takes on an ominous tone, and the choreography becomes more foreboding. Snow White's "death" and resurrection are staged with extraordinary care, while the finale is a celebration of love, justice, and triumph (accompanied by a breathtaking quick-change costume reveal that I won't spoil!).


TALENT: From Young Stars to Seasoned Pros

The young dancers of BTQ shine brightly, demonstrating remarkable technique and storytelling abilities well beyond their years. With a cast of 81 dancers assembled from 24 dance schools across South-East QLD, plus choristers from Voices of Birralee, each performer contributes to the production’s grandeur, whether through visually striking ensemble scenes or quieter, emotionally charged moments. From portraying fearful subjects under the Queen’s oppressive rule to embodying playful creatures in the enchanted forest, the cast delivers with professional-level precision and passion.


The young Snow White, portrayed by the stunning little dancer Ivy Noonan (role shared with Sarah Oh), is already impressive in both her technical ability and emotional expressiveness. Clad in a delicately soft blue dress, she beautifully conveys the anguish of losing her mother, juxtaposed with the innocent playfulness of her moments shared with young William (played by Ravi Lyndon).



The adult Snow White, played by the exquisite Caitlin Volker (role shared with Emma Kim), is everything you imagine the fairest of them all to be. With her elegant demeanour and graceful physicality, she moves with the poise of royalty. Her intricately designed costume and delicate up-do further allow her to radiate the grace and charm of a true princess. Volker's portrayal beautifully captures Snow White’s purity and quiet strength, enchanting the audience with every movement. Her chemistry with adult William (played by guest artist Jordan Lennon) is especially heartwarming, their tender pas de deux a stunning display of connection and love. Lennon’s Act 2 solo is an emotional highlight—his heartbreak palpable as he searches for Snow and reminisces about their shared childhood. Paired with music steeped in longing and tenderness, this moment sent shivers down my spine.


Special mention must be made of Sophia Gougoulas (role shared with Zara Strelen), who portrays the Evil Queen with captivating brilliance. Her command of the stage is mesmerizing, with every movement dripping with menace and jealousy. Her exceptional acting fully realizes the Queen’s wrath, as her physicality, the intensity of her gaze, and the choreography all combine to create a truly threatening presence.


The other guest artists, Callum Paterson as the Huntsman and Jayden Grogan as King Frederick (Snow’s father), bring a level of polish and professionalism that elevates the production to new heights. Their presence grounds the story with experienced and nuanced character work, creating a harmonious balance between the youthful energy of the ensemble and the refined artistry of seasoned performers.


The seven pixies, a delightful reinterpretation of the classic seven dwarfs, were a highlight of the production, bursting with charm and individuality. I won't list all the pixies, as there were a lot of them, but I found the cast I saw on opening night brought so much personality to their roles, enchanting the audience with their playful gestures and expressive mime work. Their colourful costumes—complete with dainty wings, matching ballet shoes, intricate eyeshadow, and whimsical headpieces—add a sense of joy and whimsy to the proceedings. Their scenes with Snow were filled with warmth, brought to life by light choreography and a magical fairy-like score featuring plucked strings and chimes that made you feel like you were in a Disney movie.


The senior dancers don skeletal masks that transform them into eerie, otherworldly figures, adding an air of mystique and unease to their presence—while still looking stunning en pointe. Their ability to perform so seamlessly despite the seemingly limited visibility through these masks is a testament to their incredible skill, adding yet another layer to the show’s enchanting magic. Equally impressive is the makeup and wig work on the Queen’s ghoulish minions, which enhances their ominous presence and cements them as unforgettable elements of the production’s dark, gothic aesthetic.


A particularly breathtaking moment unfolds in near darkness as Snow encounters the fireflies—the tiniest and most enchanting members of the cast. Bathed in a soft, solitary spotlight, Snow becomes the centrepiece of this magical scene as the fireflies gather around her, their light-up wings and antennae flickering in perfect synchrony with the fairy-like melody of delicate harps and ethereal choral harmonies. It’s one of those moments that makes you feel as though you are part of the magic yourself.



CHOREOGRAPHY: Elegance Meets Darkness

Now, let’s talk choreography. It’s absolutely divine. Every move is so beautifully executed, thanks to the talented dancers who’ve come together from schools all over South-East Queensland. Clare Morehen’s choreography is a visual feast, vividly contrasting the gentle, romantic movements of Snow White and her allies with the angular, contorted lines of the Evil Queen and her followers. Act One highlights this beautifully, with sharp, regimented choreography portraying the Queen’s tyranny. The military-themed costumes worn by the People of the Realm emphasise her authoritarian rule—a wonderful cohesion between costume and movement. Meanwhile, the forest scenes offer a whimsical reprieve, brimming with the magic of the Pixies and Fireflies. Their lighter, fluid movements transport the audience into a magical realm, where every fluttering gesture seems to sparkle with possibility. The way these characters interact with Snow White is touching, and it’s through these moments of respite in the forest that we see Snow's kindness and warmth shine through.


The Masquerade Ball is a standout, blending grand, traditional ballet with narrative progression. When the Queen seizes control, the choreography shifts daringly into more contemporary styles, with sharp synchronised movements and the entire military ensemble incorporating stools into the routine. This electrifying moment, paired with the dramatic swell of music, is utterly captivating. Meanwhile, a massive set piece rolls onto the stage completely unnoticed—more theatrical magic!



The production excels in cohesion, with every element meticulously woven together to create a visually and emotionally rich experience. Morehen’s direction ensures that every movement not only reflects the character’s inner world but also tells the timeless story of love, loss, and redemption. Without revealing too much, one of my favourite enchanting moments in this ballet was when Snow and William as children danced to their playful musical motif before leading to a beautiful interaction with the magic mirror.


MUSIC: A Unique Masterwork

Dr. Lucas D. Lynch’s score is a revelation, echoing the grandeur of traditional ballet while carving out its own unique identity. Performed live by the Cadenza Chamber Players under his expert baton, the emotional depth of the music and its recurring themes create a rich sonic tapestry that continually drives the narrative forward. His compositions manage to balance classical elegance with contemporary sensibilities, seamlessly shifting between romantic waltzes and ominous motifs. The inclusion of the Voices of Birralee choir adds a haunting, ethereal layer to the music, enriching pivotal scenes like the Dark Forest and Snow White’s requiem. The choice of venue became even more apparent when the Concert Hall’s pipe organ made its entrance in the score. Though hidden behind curtains, its majestic sound added depth to Lynch’s exquisite compositions, perfectly tailored to every moment on stage.


From the beginning, the score establishes a mysterious, fairytale atmosphere with chimes and lush strings as Snow White's parents share a tender dance with their daughter. The scene quickly turns tragic as Snow’s mother fades away. The sorrowful cello and piano swell into a powerful orchestral crescendo, delivering an emotional punch that sets the stage for the drama to follow. One of the most striking elements of Snow White is its attention to detail. Lynch crafted Snow White’s theme with a romantic and sweet melody to mirror her kindness, whereas the Evil Queen’s theme—introduced as soon as she gazes upon Snow in the mirror—recurs as her malice intensifies.



As the set rotates, revealing the witch's lair on one side and the forest cottage on the other, Snow travels through a dark forest enhanced by veiled dancers and the deep resonance of the organ, building to the dramatic showdown between the huntsman and William. Snare drums introduce the seven pixies, while plucked strings and chimes enhance the magical atmosphere of the cottage, filled with plenty of 'aww' moments. A singular voice and strings mark the poignant moment of mourning as Snow White succumbs to the poisoned apple. But the moment Snow White awakens from her enchanted slumber is nothing short of magical, thanks to the gorgeous choral arrangements and lush orchestration that deliver a truly cinematic experience.


SET, SOUND, LIGHT, COSTUME: Designs That Transport

The magic of the production lies not only in its grand gestures but also in its intimate details. For example, the dancers illuminating Snow’s coffin to guide William to its location, or the sound of dripping water in the witch’s lair, or the light from the fireflies’ wings and antennae syncing with the music. Even the glitter confetti used as bathwater for the pixies adds to the whimsical charm!


Bill Haycock’s set design elevates the production by transitioning between contrasting worlds. Shimmering fabrics hang above, imparting a sense of grandeur without overwhelming the space. The iconic magic mirror is given a literal and metaphorical twist when it shatters, revealing another dancer as the Queen’s reflection (played by Katie Holman), and the Queen performs a striking pas de deux with herself – a stunning portrayal of vanity. The light reflecting off the shattered mirror fragments, held by the ghoulish figures, creates a blinding, hypnotic effect.



The use of lighting by Glenn Hughes plays a pivotal role in blending these worlds, shifting between the stark, colourless tones of the Queen’s realm and the ethereal, vibrant glow of the Pixies’ forest. Wil Hughes' sound design is also superb, crafting a strong sense of danger and magic—especially with the whoosh of spells being cast and the brain-tingling sound of the mirror shattering.


Rebekah Ellis’s costumes are works of art—each piece meticulously crafted to convey the personality of the characters and the tone of the scenes, not to mention that her team ensured that every costume was custom-made to fit the dancer perfectly. Snow White’s soft, flowing garments communicate the purity and gentleness of her character, contrasting with the regal yet sinister designs of the Evil Queen’s wardrobe.


The woods are dark and mysterious, illuminated in purples and greens, with dancers in black moving like shadows of branches in the forest. The costume quick-change reveal at the end is breathtaking, accompanied by falling petals—truly unforgettable. Sarah Smith works her magic with makeup, transforming the characters into living, breathing elements of the fairytale, while Michael Green’s incredible wigs complement the character transformations beautifully.



CONCLUSION

Ballet Theatre of Queensland has delivered a truly magical production in Snow White. Every performer, from the youngest dancers to the senior ensemble, shone brightly. Queensland is brimming with incredible dance talent, and BTQ has proven they are at the forefront of showcasing it.


The passion and care that Lucas, Clare, and the entire BTQ team have put into this production are evident in every moment. Snow White is a dazzling reminder of the magic that can happen when music, dance, and storytelling unite. With visionary choreography, a captivating score, and stunning designs, this production does what only the best stories can do: it transports the audience to another world. From the first dramatic note to the final, uplifting moment, it is a performance that engages both heart and mind.


This production represents a significant achievement for BTQ and the Australian arts community. It's a rare privilege to witness a brand-new ballet with an original score, and I feel fortunate to have experienced its debut. This was my first BTQ production, and it definitely won't be my last, with Cinderella coming later this year, Alice in Wonderland (original score by Lucas Lynch) in 2026, and a brand-new ballet of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie in 2027. Snow White already holds a special place in my heart, and BTQ’s adaptation has far exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend it as a magical journey through one of the most beloved fairytales.


Photography: Quince & Mulberry







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