Director: Juliet Forster
Writer: Paul Hendy
York Theatre Royal’s Sleeping Beauty delivers exactly the sort of festive mayhem audiences have come to expect from its “legendary” pantomimes – and then some. This year, they’ve managed to weave a velociraptor into the plot (yes, really), and the creature’s repeated appearances set the tone for a show that is as weird and wacky as it is warm-hearted. Fire, dinosaurs and full-throttle audience participation are all very much on the menu.
Jennie Dale, best known to younger audiences from Swashbuckle, is an utter delight as Fairy Moonbeam. Her comedy timing and natural warmth make her a perfect fit, and her singing voice is a real revelation. She’s matched beautifully by York panto favourite Robin Simpson, returning for his sixth year as Dame and proving, yet again, why he’s become such a fixture. His quick-fire quips and effortless banter keep the show bubbling along, especially when props misbehave – which only adds to the fun.
Tommy Carmichael brings bags of energy as Jangles, keeping children engaged and the action moving at pace. Aoife Kenny and local performer Christian Mortimer make a charming and vocally impressive Aurora and Prince Michael; Mortimer, in particular, pitches his prince just right – likeable, funny, and never too pompous.
Jocasta Almgill’s Carabosse offers a refreshing female twist on the classic villain. Her vocals are outstanding, though her costumes lack some of the flamboyance and theatrical swagger panto baddies often get – a cape and higher heels might have given her that extra edge.
Paul Hendy’s script and Juliet Forster’s direction strike a good balance between tradition and topical humour. The classic “ghost bench” routine returns, this time involving a revolving bed that jammed mid-spin – a happy accident that had the audience in stitches. As ever, the second half is the stronger, leaning fully into the chaos and charm of proper panto storytelling.
Visually, the show delights: Nurse Nellie’s costumes are a highlight, sets are vibrant, and the special effects blend old-school stage trickery with modern touches. It’s genuinely family-friendly too, with jokes pitched at everyone from small children to parents and grandparents.
The finale brings the announcement that next year’s panto will be Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a first for York Theatre Royal – and if this year is anything to go by, it’s well worth snapping up tickets early.
A funny, frenetic and thoroughly enjoyable festive treat – even before you factor in the dinosaur.
Runs until 4th January 2026.
