The shows hosted at the country’s malls as part of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA)’s Eid al-Fitr celebrations, under the theme “Capture Joy,” continued to enthral audiences yesterday.
Snow White, an exclusive family entertainment show being staged at Lagoona Mall, is one of them. It has attracted a large number of spectators since Wednesday, the first day of the Eid celebrations in Qatar.
“The audience love it. Each time the queen comes on, they want Snow White not to get near her,” said assistant director Joshua Hammond, who also plays a character called Muddles.
The cast, which comprises professional performers from London, has fascinated young spectators with their acts. Hammond said they see happy faces when they start to sing and dance on stage as well as while doing the funny scenes.
An iconic fairytale character, he noted that Snow White continues to be a big attraction among many children. “In the beginning of the show, they all know her. You see the smile on their faces as soon as she enters. I think the audience’s reaction has been very positive so far,” Hammond added.
He said they also try to adapt every show in a manner that would be acceptable to the audience, especially in a country that hosts different nationalities.
“Wherever you go, there is always a language barrier between the performers and the audience,” he explained. “In London, we can make certain jokes and they (audience) all love the jokes but here you got to be careful.”
In countries like Qatar, the assistant director said the audience has been “very accepting”, a reason for them to come back and perform for the third time this Eid.
The same team had performed in Doha with Jungle Book and Cinderella shows during two previous Eid celebrations.
“Now we’re back again and we hope to do a lot more. It is a great experience coming here,” Hammond said. “I love the celebrations here, there are different things to do and one gets to learn different cultures.”
As one of his favourite festivals, he would love to come to Qatar to experience the festival as a member of the audience.
The first show runs from 5pm to 6pm, followed by a 20-minute traditional Qatari dance — Ardha — at Lagoona Mall. The second show starts at 7pm and the third at 9pm.
Meanwhile, other exclusive family entertainment shows organised by QTA, such as Alice in Wonderland (City Center Doha), Sleeping Beauty (Dar Al Salam), The Little Mermaid (Ezdan Mall), Iftah Ya Simsim (Hyatt Plaza) and Kids’ Circus (Al Khor Mall), have also drawn large audiences since the first day. All shows start at 5pm.
“Mall parades and rotating shows are back by popular demand this Eid. We would like to thank our partners at the malls for enriching Qatar’s indoor entertainment offerings,” said QTA Festivals and Tourism Events director Mashal Shahbik in a press statement.
The official added that residents and visitors can also “capture joy” for the remainder of the Eid celebrations at other venues QTA is partnering with. These include Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Al Samariyah Equestrian Centre, Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve, The Pearl-Qatar, Katara-the Cultural Village, Aspire Zone Foundation and Aqua Park.
Mall-goers, especially families and children, have also enjoyed watching parades from 5pm to 10pm, such as Hungry Chefs, Drummers’ Parade, Koka stiltwalkers, Live Statue, Fritters and Walkabout Birds, at the malls.
Side shows at the participating malls, which include Equilibrium on the Reels, Comedy Show, Doctor Bubble, Tanoura dance, Kids Magician and Oriental Dabke, have also enthralled spectators and visitors from other GCC countries.