“Sleeping Beauty”
Nottingham Playhouse

If it’s panto time at the Nottingham Playhouse, then it must be Christmas just around the corner.

Princess Rosalind a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty pricks her finger on the evil fairy Maleficent’s spinning wheel on her 21st Birthday and the entire kingdom is sent into a deep sleep. But will Prince Alexander, Jerry the Jester and Fairy Wisheart foil the evil fairy’s plans? Well, I think we all know the answer to that one, the reviewer said in hushed tones as a theatrical aside!

If you’ve ever been to a Nottingham Playhouse pantomime before, you’ll know what to expect. Brilliant and outrageous costumes, bright glittery sets, wonderful choreography, magical slapstick and splendiferous and fun music choices to have you all singing and clapping along with this Christmas Cracker.

There’s a wonderful mix of the modern and traditional in the Playhouse pantos, so that all ages are covered for enjoyment and entertainment value. So whether your five or one hundred and five, you will be entertained.

John Elkington (Nurse Tilly Trott) leads the festive fairy tale, keeping it Northern and keeping it fun, teasing the audience with his ad libs, but always in complete control of the pace.Now in his 20th panto year, he gets the running jokes in early; jokes we have come to expect and while we hear them every year, they'd be missed if one was left out. If you've been to a Playhouse panto, you'll know exactly what those jokes are. They, like the cast have become old friends that we may only see once a year, but is like they've never been away and welcome them with open arms.

Maddie Harper (Princess Rosalind) makes her debut Playhouse panto and brings just a bit of attitude to the Princess role.

Tim Frater (Jerry The Jester) brings the energy with his part. His break dancing and athleticism in his dancing leaves you feeling out of breath just watching him. All this and his enthusiasm shown in his face is like osmosis throughout the audience. This man's energy levels are through the roof.

Rebecca Little (Queen Gertrude) is another Playhouse stalwart, this being her 21st year of panto. Like Tim, her enthusiasm for the role she plays spreads throughout the theatre. Rebecca is also the Dance Captain for the show and she also has a mighty fine voice which has great range. Always fun to watch.

Darren Southworth (King Hubert) has one of those faces that must surely be made of elastic. there are times that he reminded me of Judge Rinder with some of those gurns, and that is what makes watching Darren as the "under the thumb" king a brilliant watch. His role is like that of a naughty little boy, forever chuckling. Great to see him back in the Playhouse family.

Louise Dalton (Prince Alexander) is another new face. Plenty of thigh slapping energy from Louise and a powerful voice backed up by some energetic dance moves.

Lisa Ambalavanar (Fairy Wisheart) I've had the pleasure of seeing on stage before, but this marks her professional stage debut, and what a great way to do so. Local lady Lisa looks as delicate as the fairy she portrays, and it's lovely to hear that gorgeous voice on stage again.

Toyin Ayedun-Alase (Maleficent), or should that be Magnificent? What a performance and what a voice. One of the sexiest panto villains I have ever seen. Toyin also makes her Playhouse panto debut. her magic may be evil, but I for one have fallen under her nasty spell. Just Magnificent!

Written and Directed by Kenneth Alan Taylor; when will this man ever peak? He just gets better every year, always with the knowledge of what Nottingham people love to see in panto. this year he seems to have more music in the panto,and that speeds the panto on, getting that pace up, and before you know it, it's all over. An absolute whirlwind of a show!

Musical Director, as always is John Morton, so we know that this side of the panto is going to be of the highest quality. He and the band show their versatility by playing "Arthur's Theme" after the section with the kids, where one of the kids was called Arthur, Now that you can't plan, but shows a lovely personal touch.

Lighting Design by Jason Taylor made this show light, bright and colourful, creating a warm glow over the audience.

Sound Design by Adam P McCready maintained that we heard every word that was said or sung over the music comfortably.

Choreographed by Adele Parry ,as always wonderful and exciting choreography and the ensemble danced as one, their timing was spot on every time.

There were dancing rabbits too. Kenneth could not leave these out now could he?

The sets, designed by Tim Meacock were everything we have come to expect from the Playhouse panto. Pure magic.

Music wise there was something for everyone, but I must admit that i loved Darren's wicked version of Taylor Swift's "You've Got To Calm Down" - a classic panto performance.

So that's panto season started, so now Christmas can officially begin... oh yes it can!

“Sleeping Beauty” is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 11 January 2020.