Sleeping Beauty

Tyldesley Little Theatre presented their traditional family pantomime Sleeping Beauty by Alan P. Frayn — a cosy, familiar festive offering filled with community spirit, dedication, and plenty of heart. Directed by Cathryn Hughes, with musical direction by Martin Taylor and choreography by Katie Kenny, this production embraced the charm of a classic pantomime, bringing families together for an evening of laughter, tradition, and shared enjoyment.

This was very much a team effort, supported by Production Assistant Danny Tooby and Stage Managers Jo Hibbert and Laura Solski, whose hard work ensured the show ran smoothly. You could feel the commitment of everyone involved, both on and off the stage — a true testament to community theatre at its best.

The set design offered a traditional pantomime feel, transporting us through various locations within the kingdom using painted backdrops and colourful washes. It created a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that felt comforting and familiar — exactly what audiences hope for in a family panto. Huge credit to Eddie Stanley, Andy Haymes, Peter Hood, Jo Hibbert, and Laura Solski for crafting a setting that wrapped the performance in that classic fairy-tale glow.

Costumes followed a traditional style with playful nuances, particularly for the Dame and Silly Billy, adding personality and visual humour. Designed by Danny Tooby, Alex Haymes, and Joanne Hibbert, the costumes worked well within the genre, with a special mention to the fairy colour palette — bright, cheerful, and instantly recognisable.

Lighting, operated by Jenny Whur, was handled with complete professionalism throughout, supporting the action on stage and helping guide the audience through each scene with clarity and confidence.

Now to the cast — and it must be said, every performer gave their heart and soul to this production. The audience clearly appreciated the effort, responding warmly to the familiar jokes, audience interaction, and pantomime traditions. From the King and Queen offering a knowing nod to our very own King and Princess Diana (a lovely touch), to the Dame and Muddles causing chaos across the village, the spirit of panto was very much alive. And while Muddles may have been very muddled at times, the audience interaction added to the fun and kept the energy bubbling.

There were, of course, some standout performances that truly shone:

Princess Rose, played by Cathryn Hughes, who also directed the production, was performed with grace and confidence. Her vocals were delivered beautifully, and her traditional portrayal sat comfortably within the style of the show. She was well balanced by Prince Alexis/Alexander, played by Danny Tooby, and together the pair worked nicely, sharing good chemistry and a sprinkling of cheeky innuendo that landed well with the audience.

For me, the show-stealers were undoubtedly the villains. Daisy Clark as Bad Witch Hazel and Matthew James as her evil sidekick Egor took to the stage with confidence and flair. Their potion-making scene was a highlight — the balance between the two characters was spot-on, and their performances felt fresh, focused, and thoroughly entertaining. A real breath of fresh air whenever they appeared on stage. Well done to both of you.

My final standout moment goes to the Fairies — Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Blue. From playful mishaps to constant laughs, they filled the theatre with joy. Their clear enjoyment on stage was infectious, reminding us all what pantomime is truly about: fun, silliness, and shared laughter. Special mentions to Fairy Orange (Chris Nicholls) and Fairy Blue (David Hope), who had the audience laughing throughout. All the fairies looked like they were having the time of their lives — and that joy spilled straight into the auditorium.

Thank you, Tyldesley Little Theatre, for inviting my friend and I to witness your traditional pantomime. It was a pleasure to see a community come together to create something festive and heartfelt.

I look forward to seeing what you bring to the stage in the new year.

 

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