Sleeping Beauty at Nottingham Playhouse — review
We headed down to see one of the city's most beloved shows...
The season of pantos is upon us once again - and Nottingham Playhouse’s pantomime is certainly a highlight of the city’s festive season.
I went to watch it on press night and have reviewed the show, delving into the songs, the humour, the writing, and more.
If you’re looking for December events in Nottingham, this is a great option. It’s playing at the Playhouse until January 17, so you’ve got plenty of time to catch it. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
“You won’t leave without laughing” – Sleeping Beauty at Nottingham Playhouse
By Eve Smallman
Photos by Manuel Harlan
When a show starts with an ear-piercing ‘Ay up mi ducks’, you know you’re going to be in for a good time.
Nottingham Playhouse’s pantos are known for their local touches – and this year’s Sleeping Beauty proved no different. Set in Sherwoodshire, Princess Rose (played by Yazmin King) was hidden away in a place that no one would find her – Loughborough.
John Elkington played the ever formidable panto dame Nelly the Nanny – all the nods, winks, turns of the head – and commanded the stage throughout. Whether he was volleying a Tunnock’s caramel wafer into the audience or subtly spinning for his outfit reveals, he showed why he’s a favourite year after year. His costumes were a real triumph this year – the nannying outfit, the desert outfit, and the fry up were particular highlights.
I did feel like his Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious was the true start of the show. The Greatest Day/Dance The Night Away mash-up at the start was okay, but kicking off with a song from the Barbie film felt like a slightly out-of-date choice.
This was the case for a few of the songs throughout – Everything Is Awesome and What Makes You Beautiful, while catchy, are too old for the kids to know, and not really classics for the adults. And while Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club and Golden from KPop Demon Hunters were shoehorned in at the end, they did feel like an afterthought.
However, there was a great range of songs for musical lovers, such as from Anastasia, Matilda, and Bugsy Malone. These really showcased the vocals of the cast – particularly Fairy Lights (played by Charis Alexandra), Lara Sas (Maleficent), TJ Lloyd (The King), and Danny Hendrix (Teddy). Danny also did a brilliant job of cheerfully hyping up the audience – similar to his character in last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk.
There were plenty of chuckle-worthy, groan-worthy jokes throughout - some subtle, some very much not. I thought for the smuttier jokes, this leaned very much towards the latter. Things like having a bottle of wine if someone had their way and latex and gags were very obvious – and kids today are more in on these sorts of jokes than you’d think. I know panto is supposed to be a little naughty, but it was a bit much for me.
I actually thought there could have been more for the kids. There were sweets thrown into the audience at the start, a Snapchat streak mention, a 6-7 joke right at the end, and a game on stage, but in terms of the writing, there wasn’t a lot.
Then, in terms of the things for the adults, they promised no politics at the start, but thoroughly hit with the dumb Americans, far right, and royal family jokes in the second half. These did get a mixed reception – and whether you agree or disagree, you don’t really want to alienate the audience.
Sleeping Beauty is a hard story to make your own – and in some ways it did do that, and others it didn’t. The stunning costumes and set by Cleo Pettitt were mesmerising and thoughtfully done. Deviating away from the original true love’s kiss, adding a climactic defeat, and having (of course) a wedding, all added a bit of originality. There were even subtle nods to the Disney version, with the pink and blue icing scene and Maleficent Disney villain lime green lighting.
But, that being said, I did think it borrowed some of its creativity from Shrek – the camp Prince (played fabulously by Seb Harwood), the red dragon in a fiery cave, and the I’m a Believer ending song were all quite familiar.
On the whole, it is a fun watch – you won’t leave without laughing and having sang, clapped, or cheered. I think in terms of having something for all ages, I’m not sure it perfectly strikes the balance, and leans too far for adults and not far enough for kids. However, if you simply want to watch something utterly joyous, it certainly delivers.
Sleeping Beauty is playing at Nottingham Playhouse until January 17. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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