Sleeping Beauty at the Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells Review

Reviewed by Amanda Hayes

The foyer was buzzing with excitement as we turned up to 5pm performance of Sleeping Beauty at the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre last night. Children and adults alike were snaking their way through the crowds to find their seats. As we took ours, we knew we were in for a good evening when we turned to see there was hardly a spare seat in the theatre. We had great seats situated only 6 rows back and with a really good view of the stage but to be honest there are no bad seats in Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall.

The pantomime follows the traditional story of Sleeping Beauty, the princess who falls asleep for 100 years after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel following a curse from wicked fairy godmother Carabosse. Claire Sweeney plays a brilliant part as the evil Carabosse, complete with flowing green gown and giant horns, she cackled away as the audience booed her every move. The King is brilliantly played by David Alcock, and the dashing Prince Philip, played by Michael Vinsen, soon falls in love with his daughter Princess Rose, (Caitlin McNerney). That’s when Carabosse casts her spell on Princess Rose and Laura Mullowney, playing the Good Fairy godmother Snowflake steps in to soften the spell so that’s she wakes after the kiss of someone she loves.

An absolutely fabulous Quinn Patrick returns for a second year to Tunbridge Wells as Nurse Nelly and is joined by Channel 5’s Milkshake star Derek Moran as Silly Billy to keep you laughing out loud for the whole two hours. From crazy cooking to a brilliantly funny mirror scene my son laughed so hard he fell off his chair!

Bringing this show right up to date was an amazing animated fire breathing dragon a first in any show I have seen and a great hit with the audience. The children were really wowed by it.

The pantomime is seriously upbeat with loads of well-known songs to sing along to such as Queen’s Somebody To Love sung by Prince Philip and lots of audience participation with family favourite Baby Shark.

Sleeping Beauty ends with a traditional happy ever after wedding party and with plenty of dancing and singing from all of the cast you will go home tired but happy.

Before and during the performance you can purchase drinks and snacks in the bar area and Sleeping Beauty merchandise in the foyer. There is plenty of easy parking in the multi storey car park right next door so no excuse not to go and see the performance.

Sleeping Beauty is a brilliant panto and my 5 year old son had a fantastic time as did all the other children (and adults) in the audience. I highly recommend getting tickets before they sell out and don’t worry about which seat you chose, they all have a great view.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15.50 (booking fees may apply).

Sleeping Beauty is at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells from 7 December 2018 to 2 January 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01892 530613.

Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LU | 01892 530613