Bradford Alhambra Pantomime – Sleeping Beauty Review

Reviewed by Tracey Stoker

It’s been a long 2 years and as a family, we couldn’t wait to get back to Panto land to start our Christmas celebrations. And Bradford Alhambra is the best when it comes to doing panto. How we have missed the dulcet tones of Billy Pearce or ‘King Billy’ as he is known this year. From that first ‘Hiya Kids’, we knew we were in for a great night.
This year, the panto is Sleeping Beauty. The story of an evil godmother, who placed a curse on the beautiful princess. The princess would sleep for a 100 years, if she ever pricked her finger on a spinning wheel needle before her 21st birthday.

As always at Bradford Alhambra, the cast were top class. The beautiful Princess Aurora was played by Brogan McFarlane, who didn’t want to marry a prince as she was secretly in love with her best friend and companion ‘Muddles’ the royal doctor. ‘Muddles’ was played by TV’s ‘Dr Ranj’. He was really good, the kids loved him and the doctor can sing! Every panto needs a ‘baddie’ and Liz Ewing played this part to perfection as evil ‘Queen Carabose’. Was lovely to hear the kids booing her loudly, every time she appeared!! We also had another princess ‘Narcissa’ played by Sarah Goggin. Narcissa is the modern princess, she don’t want no prince and frilly dresses. She was rocking her red hair bob and doc martin look. We loved Narcissa. And if you going to have a baddie, you have to have a goodie, a beautiful ‘Good Fairy’ played by Sabrina Aloueche. Fantastic singing voice. A special mention has to go to the backing dancers/singers. They were so good this year, really bought the performance together.

Like I’ve said, the whole cast was fantastic but the night belonged to ‘King Billy’. He owns the stage at the Alhambra. His passion to entertain the audience and the love he has for the panto, shines through. His comedy timing is priceless. From the jokes the kids loved, to the ones that went over their heads but had the adults in stitches, no one does panto like Billy Pearce. Just ask ‘H***** from T*******’, (editor’s note – some info has been removed) the poor lady in the front row. She became part of the show and Billy’s jokes. It was so funny. Bet H***** (editor’s note – some info has been removed) will never sit in the front row again! But it was all done in good humour. That’s part of Billy’s charm, and what draws families back to The Alhambra year after year.

In previous years, you would get 3D glasses for the half time 3D performance. Obviously this year with covid, that couldn’t happen. I won’t spoil it for you but you won’t be disappointed. The Alhambra brought traditional panto and modern technology together to do a special Christmas flight. The kids were screaming with joy. All in all, a fantastic night. Would recommend this panto to all.

A little bit about The Alhambra. Bradford Alhambra theatre is a beautiful building, and very easy to find. There was staff on every door to help assist you into the building and hand gel stations on each door and throughout the building. The toilets are situated on the ground floor where you will also find the ticket kiosk and a small kiosk selling confectionery and soft drinks. On the first floor, you will find the bar and seating area. You can pre order your interval drinks here. On leaving the theatre, you can now exit through numerous doors thus avoiding large gatherings of people. There are plenty of carparks nearby to the theatre. If using the NCP carpark, you can ask for a discounted parking ticket at the ground floor kiosk.

Rating: 5/5. We would give it more if we could.

Sleeping Beauty is on till 16th January 2022.

For more information or to book tickets please visit Sleeping Beauty | The Alhambra Theatre (bradford-theatres.co.uk) or phone the box office on 01274  432000