Sleeping Beauty At St. Helens Theatre Royal Review

Reviewed by Rebecca Wong

Half-term in St. Helens means one thing and one thing only; its Panto time at the St. Helens Royal Theatre. The fantastic Regal Entertainment Ltd have done it again. Putting on a fun and entertaining panto experience for us to look forward to in the school holidays. This October has brought with it the story of Sleeping Beauty. In this classic story, Aurora the new princess gets cursed as a baby, by the evil Carabose (played by Bethany Grace) to prick her finger on the needle of spinning wheel on her 18th birthday. Aurora grows up to be a beautiful princess with her doting mother (played by Dame Queenie) and father (Warren Donnelly of Shameless fame) and her protector Chester the Jester (played by Lewis Devine) at her side, it seems that evil will never get to her. But Carabose has one or two sneaky tricks (and spells) up her sleeve, that means despite the Fairy Sparkles (played by Katy McKenna) best magic efforts Aurora still finds herself being forced into an eternal sleep when, on her 18th birthday – as promised by Carabose – she does indeed prick her finger on the needle. Can her true love the Prince of Kings Landing (played by Benjamin Keith) and her trusty crew save her from this forever sleep and right the wrongs of Carabose and her evil plan.

The story was really well told and I particularly enjoyed the Prince’s character with his understated humour and the unlikely love story for Chester at the end. I thought it was a wonderful celebration of all things Panto with lots of opportunity to boo and hiss and cheer and shout at this array of wild and interesting characters who were very skilful at making the audience a part of the show. The set design and outfits added to the fun, with Dame Queenie treating us to some weird, wonderful and mind-boggling outfits with every one of her scenes. Chester the Jesters antics had the kids (and the adults) howling and it was great fun to boo the evil Carabose at every opportunity.  The music included a great selection that was familiar to both young and old alike and the dancers where just brilliant to watch.

St. Helens is a great family theatre with an intimate atmosphere and incredibly friendly and welcoming staff who make you feel at home from the minute you arrive. It’s easy to find, being right in the centre of town opposite the bus station, just 5 minutes’ walk from the train station and with local authority parking close by.

Tickets are available at: https://sthelenstheatreroyal.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873632037/events/129406031 from as little as £18 for an adult and £16 for a child. Family tickets are also available as well as concessions.

Rating: I highly recommend this panto experience at St.Helens, it’s a great escape from reality for a couple of hours with guaranteed fun for all the family and a great idea for something to do this half-term. You won’t be disappointed with this great laugh-a-minute show it’s a 5/5 from me.