Sleeping Beauty

On arrival at the theatre, I was met by a welcoming and well-organised Front of House team. Dressed in Christmas themed attire, they helped create a festive atmosphere from the outset, setting a cheerful and seasonal tone for the evening and enhancing the overall audience experience. There was a buzz of excitement in the theatre, with lots of children brimming with anticipation for the pantomime to begin.

The four-piece band was a lovely and welcome addition, enriching the entire production with their wonderful performance. Their music was seamlessly woven throughout the show, enhancing every scene and filling the theatre with vibrancy and character, while also punctuating punchlines with a perfectly timed ‘Ba Dum Tss’.

The opening number, ‘Dance With Me Tonight,’ performed by the Adult and Children’s chorus, was a vibrant and captivating start to the show. Brimming with energy, precise choreography, infectious enthusiasm, bright smiles, and bold colour, it was packed with pizazz and flair.

Princess Bella was portrayed with grace and sophistication, showcasing a beautiful singing voice that maintained elegance and clarity throughout. She embodied everything expected of the principal girl, combining finesse with warmth and charm. It was a wonderfully polished and refined performance. Well Done!

The role of Prince Percival was brilliantly brought to life, with the actress capturing all the classic qualities of a pantomime prince: brave, charming, and good-natured. She carried the role with poise and confidence, adding humour, a lively stage presence, and a fantastic thigh slap, while effortlessly balancing levity with the prince’s romantic and noble qualities.

Nanny Noodle exuded the qualities of a pantomime dame, bursting with personality and enthusiasm. The performer used exaggerated movements, expressive facial gestures, and strong comic timing to hold the audience’s attention. She interacted effectively with the other characters, consistently adding warmth, humour, and momentum to every scene she appeared in.

Nickerbocker Noodle commanded the stage, delivering a series of ‘Knock Knock’ jokes that drew both laughter and groans from the audience. His performance carried a lively rhythm that never flagged, making him an entertaining and spirited Linkman. With his infectious charm, playful gestures, and knack for comedic timing, he effortlessly threaded the scenes together, keeping the audience fully engaged from start to finish and filling the production with a joyful, unforgettable sparkle.

I was thoroughly captivated by the characterisation Kipling brought to the stage. The performance was exceptionally well executed, capturing the character’s nuances with clarity, finesse and grace. Her striking stage charisma made the portrayal engaging and unforgettable, drawing the audience into every moment and leaving a strong, lasting impression throughout the show. Fabulous - Well Done!

King Langoustine was a well-established character, brought to life with a commanding presence and a superbly regal costume and wig that perfectly complemented his royal persona. His portrayal combined poise with subtle touches of humour, and his movements and expressions conveyed both authority and warmth, infusing the character with a charm and regal dignity that resonated on stage.

Fairy Cake burst onto the stage with her bright pink hair and playful costume, instantly charming the audience. Her characterisation was excellent, combining clear, expressive annunciation with a quirky, comical style, and her lively, whimsical presence kept the performance engaging and thoroughly entertaining throughout.

Fairy Gorgonzola made a striking entrance, immediately drawing plenty of boos and hisses from the audience. Her fabulous costume and confident use of the staff added to the impact, while her perfectly evil persona was brought to life through expressive body language and sharp, deliberate hand gestures.

Hob & Nob were brilliantly funny, delivering fantastic comic timing and displaying excellent on-stage rapport. Their chemistry was effortless, bouncing off each other with playful energy, sharp banter, and perfectly timed gags. Every interaction was full of life and humour, with their expressive gestures, exaggerated reactions, and clever wordplay keeping the momentum lively and engaging throughout.

What a joy it was to watch the Adult Chorus and the delightful Children’s Chorus (Team Tiffin). The energy, focus, and commitment from every performer were evident throughout, with each moment on stage brought to life through their engagement and animation. Their collective contribution played a huge part in making the performance such an enjoyable and memorable experience.

The production featured professional lighting that did a great job of creating the right atmosphere throughout the show. The sound was slightly hit and miss in places, with some lines or musical moments a little quieter than ideal, but it didn’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. The costumes were of a high standard, with thoughtful attention to detail, vibrant colours, and designs that really complemented the characters and the energy of the performance. Overall, a very enjoyable experience with plenty of care and creativity evident in every aspect.

The choreography was consistently strong and impressive throughout the production, showcasing creativity, precision, and style. I particularly loved the movement and overall feel of ‘God That’s Brilliant’, featuring Fairy Gorgonzola, Hob, and Nob, which was full of energy and character. The dance routine in ‘A Musical’ was absolutely phenomenal and truly worthy of any West End stage. It was a standout moment that made a lasting impact. Excellent work, Zoe.

There were so many memorable highlights throughout the performance. I really enjoyed the green lighting during the scene where Fairy Gorgonzola cast the evil curse, and the royal entrance from the back of the theatre was truly spectacular, full of drama and grandeur, immediately capturing the audience’s attention and setting the perfect tone for the scene. Kipling’s blue butler costume was delightful, and the ‘rewind’ of the thigh slaps was executed perfectly with impeccable timing. I also loved the moment when Hob and Nob dressed as French chefs, changing all the vowels in their words to sound more French. The mashup of ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ and ‘One Way or Another’ was highly creative and original. Finally, the small fairies were absolutely brilliant, funny, confident, and full of personality, and I especially loved their scene where they gave their wishes to Princess Bella.

Well done to all the cast and crew for their incredible work, and thank you for inviting me to such a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening.

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