Sleeping Beauty At Theatre Royal, Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Linda Curtain

What better way is there to get into the Christmas spirit than a trip to the Theatre Royal Plymouth to see their annual pantomime. Always a highlight of the festive season, this years choice is ‘Sleeping Beauty’- one of the lesser seen pantomimes. Last seen in Plymouth ten years ago, it’s great to welcome this production back to the Theatre Royal.
Situated on the very festively decorated Royal Parade, Theatre Royal Plymouth is easy to locate with access and parking being problem free whether arriving by car or public transport. Beautiful projections onto the outside of the building welcomed us and once inside the foyer was a wonderland of lights, Christmas trees and glitter. A great festive atmosphere was immediately evident with the bars and foyer coffee shop being extremely busy with people eagerly awaiting the show. Once in the auditorium, we could see the glittery stage effects and the magic of the evening began.
Sleeping Beauty is basically the story of Princess Aurora who, on her 21st birthday, pricks her finger in a spinning wheel which had been gifted to her by her evil aunt – Queen Carabosse. She falls asleep and is under a spell that can only be broken by a kiss from a handsome prince.

Matt Terry -who had this important role last evening – was every inch the Prince Charming. With great stage presence and an amazing singing voice, he was guaranteed to captivate Sleeping Beauty. This leading role was played by Stephanie McKenzie who shone on the stage with innocence and vulnerability.

No pantomime is complete without its ‘dame ’ and ‘baddie’. Queen Fabulosa – played by well known drag Queen Ceri Dupree – was brilliant with a constant array of outrageous costumes while ‘baddie’ Queen Carabosse -played by Britt Lenting – added the right amount of evilness with much booing from the audience each time she appeared on stage. With Eleanor Walsh as Carabosse’s daughter and Jarneia Richard-Noel as the good fairy, this is certainly a strong panto cast.

The comedy stars of the evening though were Shane Richie as Muddles and Peter Piper as King Crackerjack. The rapport between them was outstanding. Such amazing comedy timing! And comedy was certainly the highlight of the evening. With numerous hilarious sketches, my favourite had to be ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ – total mayhem! So many funny incidents it was hard to know what was scripted and what actually went wrong!!

The comedy element was just right with some subtle adult content adding to the script. The numerous local references were also appreciated by the audience.

From the helicopter hovering over the auditorium to the fearsome were-wolf (hopefully not too many nightmares after this scary scene!) the stage settings and effects were incredible.

The strong ensemble of dancers gave slick routines with great projection and commitment – a shame however that the local children were not involved again this year as this is often a first footing for them to stage work.

This was a fun-filled evening of laughter, song and glitz. Another lavish family pantomime leaving the audience with such a festive buzz.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £18

Sleeping Beauty is at Theatre Royal Plymouth until January 14th 2023 with tickets available from theatreroyal.com.