Sleeping Beauty At Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Alexander Wilde

Fee-fi-fo… no, wrong show, but the Gatehouse has done it again! Christmas in Stafford simply wouldn’t sparkle without a hearty helping of pantomime magic, and this year’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is a dazzling festive jewel in the theatre’s crown. With a bright new director at the helm – the wonderfully imaginative Scott LeCrass – the Gatehouse proves once more that it knows exactly how to honour tradition while keeping panto feeling as fresh as a frosty December morning.

It was one of those crisp winter evenings where the air feels charged with anticipation, and inside the auditorium, the atmosphere was pure Christmas cheer. Saint Nicholas himself had popped by to say hello (because even he couldn’t resist a Gatehouse panto), and the carollers’ joyful singing made the whole foyer feel like the first page of a Christmas storybook. Families, friends, and excited little ones buzzed like fairy lights as we settled into our seats. There’s something uniquely heart-warming about the Gatehouse, a small theatre with a big soul; and every year it seems to gather the community together in the most joyful way.

We were whisked away to the kingdom of Old Stafford by the lyrical and lively Fairy Flutterby, played with scene-stealing charm by Staffordshire’s own Emily Vinnicombe. Her rhyming prose fluttered delightfully across the stage, giving the prologue a poetic shimmer as we met the residents of Stafford Castle.

Introductions out the way, we travelled back in time to discover that Carabosse, the resident wrong-un, had not taken kindly to being left off the guest list of the party celebrating Princess Beauty’s birth. A lesson to all: always check your invitations twice.

Returning by popular demand, Samantha Spragg’s Carabosse is gloriously wicked. Deliciously dark with a voice that soars, she commands the stage with villainous grandeur. Her every entrance ripples with boos, hisses, and just a little admiration for that fabulous gown swish. Her performance is pitch-perfect pantomime villainy – just menacing enough to thrill the children, just witty enough to delight the grown-ups.

Of course, a Gatehouse panto wouldn’t be complete without its dynamic duo: CBBC favourite Mark Rhodes and the incomparable dame of dames, David Phipps-Davis. Together, they are the beating comedic heart of this year’s production.

Mark Rhodes, as Hilarious Harry, is exactly that. Hilarious! His effortless rapport with the audience, impeccable timing, and boundless energy make him one of the country’s best panto frontmen. The moment he bounds onto the stage, the theatre lifts. It’s impossible not to grin as he fires off one-liners with the cheeky charm of someone who has truly mastered the art of pantomime joy. Then there’s David Phipps-Davis, returning as Dame Nora Nickerbocker, and quite frankly redefining the word extravagant. Twenty costume changes. Yes, twenty! Each outfit more outrageously wonderful than the last. His razor-sharp ad-libs (some dangerously close to breaking the cast), and blouse full of double entendres are worth the price of admission alone. Watching him and Mark spar, slip, and sparkle together is an absolute highlight; the chemistry is infectious, and you can tell how much fun they’re having.

Princess Beauty herself, played by Soleil Quarless, brings gentle charm and glowing stage presence to the role. Her voice is warm and assured, and her scenes with both Mark and newcomer Prince Rufus of Rugeley (Finlay McKillop) are full of heart. McKillop, a TikTok star stepping into his first Gatehouse panto, is musically gifted and throws himself into the fairy-tale quest with admirable gusto. Alongside panto veteran Ian Billings as the fatherly King Louis, the principal cast form a wonderfully cohesive team.

The ensemble is equally superb: dynamic, precise, and clearly loving every moment on stage, some of whom were making their professional debuts. Dance captain Sophie Hirst also doubles as Queen Helga, giving a performance filled with elegance and dry, humour, particularly when griping at the King. Complementing the cast throughout the production were a brilliant Junior Ensemble. These future stars were fully invested and enjoying their part in the extravaganza; singing and dancing their hearts out.

The Gatehouse magic doesn’t stop with the performers. The technical artistry this year is nothing short of outstanding. The crisp sound, luscious lighting and superb set design give ‘Sleeping Beauty’ a visual richness that rivals much larger venues. Each year is better than the last – the fiery fiend in the second act was particularly impressive. A spectacular set-piece that proves just how far the Gatehouse has pushed its production values in recent years. Overall, the scene changes and musical interludes were punchy and perfectly balanced for the audience age range. The script is jam packed with fun: from Monty Python nods to jokes clearly aimed at the younger generation (“6/7” of course which is driving parents and teachers mad), there truly is something for everyone. The pacing is spot on, the musical numbers are uplifting and familiar, and the entire narrative flows with easy, enchanting rhythm and we were left wanting more. Superb writing and direction, with high production values.

The grand question: how do you keep panto fresh year after year? At Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, the answer is clear. You honour tradition, embrace innovation, cherish your audience, and pour heart, humour, and unashamed joy into every moment of the performance.

Last year, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ climbed sky-high. But this year’s Sleeping Beauty doesn’t merely reach the clouds, it dances above them. It may well be the most magical pantomime the Gatehouse has ever produced!
Unmissable? Absolutely.

Rating: 5/5  Five Enchanted Stars

Running until 4th January 2026, with tickets priced from £21. Book online https://www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/sleeping-beauty-pantomime-2025-2026/ visit or call the Box Office 01785 619080
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford ST16 2LT

The charming Gatehouse Theatre stands within the heart of the clean, well-lit, and popular Staffordshire County Town.
The main foyer is elegant, providing easy access to all levels and toilets. You are sure of a warm greeting and a great atmosphere. The bar and café are well manned, stocked and of standard prices for theatres. The tiered auditorium seats are very comfortable and all provide excellent views of the stage.
The Theatre is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, and accommodation options for a wonderful day or night out in the bustling town. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking is plentiful. The town is also well served by train and bus stops, within walking distance.