REVIEW

SLEEPING BEAUTY

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION

THE Robertsons’ panto tour 2018 ended in a dazzling finale at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre, with a spectacular performance of Sleeping Beauty.

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here star Rita Simons (EastEnders’ Roxy Mitchell) was simply fabulous as the evil Carabosse, laying to rest my fears that, as in other pantos I’ve seen, the big star wouldn’t properly enter the panto spirit.

Often I find the big name star can slightly dull the magic of a panto, as they trade on their name and don’t have the right energy. Rita was splendidly funny, with a huge singing voice and a massive presence – she drew quite the loudest boos I think I’ve ever heard.

Director and dame David Ball did a great job in both roles. His direction ensured the drama moved swiftly on, with loads of laughs, heaps of audience participation and comic routines.

The whole production had a great range of modern twists, with Fortnite flossing, Baby Shark as a recurring theme and hits from Frozen and big numbers from the charts keeping the feel of the panto fresh and fun.

Noel Brodie did a sterling job as Silly Billy – the panto veteran expertly dovetailed the scenes while ensuring the audience were having a great time – he and Dame David had some hilarious routines that kept the action moving.

Sarah-Jane Buckley, of Hollyoaks fame, was a super foil for Rita’s Carabosse and had a lovely conversational tone that made the story come through – I’ve seen many a gabbling fairy obfuscate the plot in the past, and Sarah-Jane narrated clearly, while having wicked comic timing to boot.

The set and lighting, the choreography and the costumes were all sumptuous and gave the show that extra enjoyment.

A super show for all ages.

Sleeping Beauty runs until January 6. Go to bic.co.uk/whats-on/sleeping-beauty-2018 or call 0844 576 3000.