Sleeping Beauty at Orchard Theatre Dartford Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Sarah Bryer
The Orchard Theatre in Dartford has outdone itself this year with its festive production of Sleeping Beauty. Running from 17th December 2024 to 5th January 2025, this pantomime offers a fun-filled, family-friendly twist on the classic fairy tale. Tickets range from £27.00 to £49.00, with a transaction fee of up to £3.95. Whether you’re new to panto or a seasoned attendee, this show is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Our group, consisting of two adults and two children, thoroughly enjoyed the experience, with plenty of laughs and a few surprises that left us grinning well after the curtain fell. The production was cleverly crafted to deviate from the usual Sleeping Beauty plot, keeping the audience on their toes. The unpredictability of the story made it all the more entertaining, with enough twists to engage adults while remaining easy for children to follow.
The Performances
One of the standout performances came from Sydnie Christmas, fresh from her success on Britain’s Got Talent. She played the role of Fairy Christmas and was nothing short of extraordinary. Her enchanting voice filled the theatre during her musical moments, which added a touch of magic to the show. Sydnie’s charisma and talent made her scenes a highlight for both adults and children alike.
Simmons and Simmons brought high-energy comedy as the hilarious duo who kept the audience in stitches. Their slapstick humour and cheeky interactions with the crowd are everything you’d expect from a pantomime. While their performance is largely aimed at younger audiences, adults will appreciate the clever wordplay and subtle nods to grown-up humour woven throughout.
On the flip side, the Joker character didn’t quite hit the mark for everyone. While not to my personal taste, the children in our party loved his antics and laughed heartily at his over-the-top gags.
Atmosphere & Family-Friendliness
The festive atmosphere at the Orchard Theatre was spot-on, setting the mood for Christmas. The vibrant set design, dazzling costumes, and well-choreographed musical numbers made for a thoroughly immersive experience. For families, the little touches like reasonably priced refreshments and affordable glow toys in the foyer added to the appeal. Candy floss or ice cream at under £5 was a welcome surprise, proving that a night at the theatre doesn’t have to break the bank.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Sleeping Beauty at the Orchard Theatre is a fantastic choice for a Christmas outing. It strikes a fine balance between humour, music, and heartfelt moments, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The slight divergence from the traditional tale breathes new life into the story, while the lively cast keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The inclusion of subtle adult humour alongside the family-friendly jokes makes this panto a well-rounded treat.
At a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, this production is well worth seeing. While some moments may not cater to every adult’s taste, the joy it brings to children—and the festive spirit it creates—more than makes up for it.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from: £27.00 (plus £3.95 transaction fee).
Sleeping Beauty is at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, from Tuesday 17th December 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025, for more information or to book tickets visit trafalgartickets.com or call the box office on 0343 310 0033.
Address: Orchard Theatre, 20-54 Hythe Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1BX.