Panto season is officially up and running with this fun take on a classic story. In this version of Sleeping Beauty, Princess Raury (Anna Fordham) is a sassy independent woman. Her sleep curse accidentally lasts for 500 years rather than the classic 100, resulting in a futuristic light sabre battle against the witch Vampira Vanity (Hannah Woodward) to rescue her love, Romford Prince (Jerome Lincoln).
This is a funny, silly pantomime with all the well loved audience participation and stand out performances from Dominic Gee-Burch as the Dame, Super Nanny and Laura Sillet as Fairy Falalala-la-la-la-la-la. These two are probably on stage the most of everyone and are everything you want in a pantomime Dame and good fairy. The cast are all actor-musicians and play all of the music in the show which works brilliantly and is very impressive.
The set, designed by Dora Schweitzer, is visually stunning and the lighting effects (Stephen Pemble) delight both young and old in the audience.
If you want a jolly night out to get you in the festive spirit it is well worth the trip out to Essex.
