Sleeping Beauty

A visit to “Riverside” was the first of three “Sleeping Beauty “pantomimes for me in the space of one week, all very different, it’s certainly a firm favourite story in the panto circuit this season!

Scenery was provided using three backcloths and a selection of props, lighting was atmospheric and complimented the action well and the sound was good and clear.The show got off to a rousing start with “Stomp”, it had lovely positive energy, big smiles and good movement by everyone involved. The ensemble provided good support throughout as courtiers, tap dancing mice and Carabosses’ minions; singing was good and the choreography interesting to watch and well performed. 

The good fairies, Mazie Summers (Fairy Graceful), Wendy Hindmoor (Fairy Beautiful) and Hannah Marvin (Fairy Thoughtful) led by Emma Bell (Fairy Peaceful) were well portrayed, Emma in particular had a strong stage presence and her singing was excellent. The roles were also covered by Olivia Jakeman, Marie Skipsy, Hayley Quinn and Susy Wake at alternate performances. Their nemesis Carabosse was played by Julie Laws, Julie’s performance was confident, foreboding, a great foil for the fairies and definitely someone the audience loved to hate, and she handled it so well, I particularly enjoyed "Abracadabra"

The story included two feline characters, one good, one wicked and both were confidently portrayed. Charlotte Taylor as Kitty the palace pet and Katie Barton as Spindleshanks the side kick to Carabosse both kept their catlike characteristics up throughout and proved to be audience favourites, well done both of you!

The royal family were a great bunch of characters, Dame Dorothy – Dotty to her friends – was portrayed by the experienced Martin Anderson, he was loveable and led all of his scenes with an assured natural ability having a good rapport with the audience. Roy Evans as King Norbut was very “Major General” in his delivery and in fact his rendition of “Modern Major General” was a triumph. This was a super role for Roy which he seemed to relish in – the names scene was excellent. I was impressed in the dream sequence with the musical contest involving a banjo, guitar and a one-man band, an unexpected and enjoyable feature, great job all involved. Nick Thompson worked hard as Billy the Butler the comic lead, he threw himself around, got hit on the head with a giant spoon, walked into the proscenium arch and all whist maintaining his energy throughout the show, well done. The title role of the Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora, was portrayed by Anna Skipsey who had great confidence as a young performer amongst much more experienced principals. She had good presence, lovely vocals and worked well with her prince Orlando played by Demilee Turnbull. Demilee’s delivery was confident, she commanded the stage and sang well.

The full company finale “Shine” was made extra special with the addition of young members signing the words, this was a really nice touch, everyone left with a smile on their faces. 

Congratulations to the whole company for an enjoyable production and wishing you all the best for “The Wizard of Oz” in May 2026.

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