Director: Scott Le Crass
Imagine Theatre are back producing this year’s panto Sleeping Beauty at the Stafford Gatehouse. Mark Rhodes and David Phipps-Davis return with another classic panto full of innuendo and fun.
The production has assembled quite the team of panto pros. Rhodes is the likable, yet daft Hilarious Harry. While Phipps-Davis steals the show. Every moment they grace the stage as Nurse Nora, their presence, quick wit and smart comebacks makes the role of Dame look easy. It’s understandable why these two have become a regular at the Gatehouse as the crowd goes wild for them.
No panto is complete without its fairytale, and this one is no different. Emily Vinnicombe steers the ship as Fairy Flutterby, playing a pivotal role in keeping the story moving. Soleil Quarless makes a sweet Princess Beauty, who is graciously kind and sincere. Quarless is joined by the vocally superb Finlay Mckillop as Prince Rufas who as a duo perform a number of stellar duets. Every good panto needs a good Villain and Samantha Spragg as Carabosse certainly hits the mark.
The soundtrack is one you’ve come to expect from a Gatehouse panto – retro pop classics, with a couple of more modern songs including Golden and the viral Lava Chicken to keep the younger members of the audience thrilled.
The set by Imagine Theatre is full of beautiful backdrops full of sparkle. While the dragon is gigantic. While it did somewhat lack a little bit of fear factor that some will want from a ferocious dragon found into pantoland, it’s a clever way to fit such large special effect into a venue the size of the Gatehouse.
The book, also created for Imagine Theatre is very much traditional panto. While the choice to go back in time to introduce the curse being placed on Beauty, rather than start with it is a bit haphazard, but it does create a some fun episodic moment. Overall, there’s a good balance of plot and humour meaning there’s something for everyone. The 12 days of Christmas scene brings the house down with laughter, and the use of Hillarious Harry and Nurse Nora to distract Carabosse is a clever way to rescue Price to ensure a happily ever after.
This panto knows It’s audience. If you want a family fun filled panto that brings everyone together to share laughter, memories and unforgettable moments, this spellbinding panto will leave you with plenty of festive cheer.
| Value for Money Comments: |
| A fun filled family panto, priced between £28 and £36 (£25 to £33) |
🎁This production was gifted in exchange for a fair and balanced review 🎁
The Theatre Twittic 
Leave a comment