REVIEW: Sleeping Beauty

© Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

As pantomime season swings into action across the theatres of the West Midlands a show arrives in Wolverhampton that is redefining the very essence of panto.

Sleeping Beauty is now playing at the Wolverhamton Grand Theatre.

Pantomime is as integral to the Christmas season as Christmas trees and greetings cards, and as the festive season gears up to usher in the spirit of Christmas there’s a truly spectacular show in town that sets a new benchmark for panto.

Sleeping Beauty is a standard chestnut at theatres during the holiday season and people have become familiar with it but this brand new production breaks with tradition by showcasing a polished and witty pantomime that really engages and fires up the mind and heart.

The book for the show is by Ian Adams and Tam Ryan and the material is inspired and invigorating. Adams and Ryan take the fairy tale and have an absolute ball with it. The satire is perfectly tuned, and the witticisms and topical observations are so honed and sharp that the comedy appeals both to youngsters and their parents. One of the toughest tasks for any new panto is to retain balance and prevent the slapstick from bubbling over and spiralling out of control which often results in turning a slick show into a crude circus.

Adams and Ryan use immense intelligence to ensure the show is appealing to the whole family while injecting some razer sharp references snatched from the current zeitgeist which are brought to the fore with warm humour rather than cruel sarcasm.  This show is warmhearted and remains exciting every step of the way.

The performances in Sleeping Beauty are absolutely superlative right across the board. Every cast member, from major characters to smaller roles, performs with incredible enthusiasm and passion.

Danny Beard as Carabosse is simply astounding, sultry and charismatic, and every nuance of the role is highlighted with gleeful mischief and charm by Danny who looks fabulous in a wide array of magnificent and sparkling outfits by David Shields.  

Another immensely talented entertainer in this glitzy show is Debra Stephenson as Queen Bertha whose impersonations of famous celebrities is uncannily spot on and ever so funny. Debra’s vocal prowess doesn’t end with pitch perfect impersonations but also extends to some incredible vocal range when it comes to singing.  

Zak Douglas as Gerald the Herald employs facial expressions that have to be seen to be believed. The audience cracked up each time Douglas took to the stage and expressed something through his face.

The gifted writers of the show also take part in the pantomime. Ian Adams is an absolute hoot as Dame Mary Fortune while Tam Ryan is perfectly cast as Mickey Fortune. The duo’s superb comic timing and joyous zest - and their interactions with the audience - received thunderous applause.

The romantic chemistry between Georgina Iudica-Davies (Princess Beauty) and Solomon Davy (Prince Stephen) was captivating and sweet.

A huge pat on the back goes to the production crew who visualise this spectacular show which stands head and shoulders above anything currently on offer in London's West End. The set and costume designs by David Shields are evocative, sassy and very stylish while the dreamy lighting by Sam Hilditch extenuates the fairy tale world of Sleeping Beauty.  The production quality is right up there with a Hollywood movie and the crew should be proud of their efforts which take pantomime into a new sphere.

Natalie Bennyworth’s glamorous and scorching hot choreography has echoes of a lavish Las Vegas show. The dancing is full of spice which melts away the winter cold.

Director David Janson keeps the epic show running smoothly and excitingly, every song and dance number is incorporated with a flowing pace, and the material never dulls for a second.  

Sleeping Beauty is absolutely marvellous and hands down the best panto of this or any year.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Sleeping Beauty is running at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Sunday 4^th January 2026