REVIEW: Sleeping Beauty - St Helen's Theatre Royal

On Sunday evening I took my family to the Press launch of Sleeping Beauty which is playing at St Helen's Theatre Royal until Sunday 29th October. The half term panto is the latest offering from Regal Entertainments. It tells the popular tale of Princess Aurora (Played by Laura Gregory) who finds herself cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse (Claire Sweeney). The ensuing love story that unfolds sees the customary fight between good and evil with Prince George (Corey Rumble) breaking Auroras spell of infinite slumber, resulting in the rescue of his one true love.

Liverpool's own Claire Sweeney played a superb evil fairy. She exuded charisma and had fantastic stage presence. The younger members of the audience seemed to connect with her and greeted her with impressive Boos and jeers. She sang a great rendition of "one way or another " and "Bat outta hell" and the dancers that accompanied her wowed the onlookers with some beautifully choreographed dance moves.

Claire Sweeney as Carabosse

Tam Ryan and Roy Brandon

 Tam Ryan was absolutely superb in his role as Chester the Jester. The first half of the panto was fast and furious and a little light on the comedic value. However, whenever Chester made an appearance, the imbalance was corrected. He greeted the audience with "Alright Chuckie eggs" to which they responded "Sorted Chester". He was a comedy genius and connected with the audience with his quick wit and by the gravitas that he exuded. There was nothing foolish about him. He cemented the show together in my opinion and was hilarious to watch. He cracked a joke about Kentucky fried Pheasant which three days later my fifteen year old daughter is still in hysterics over. He had such a fantastic way of interacting with the VIP children who secured themselves a place on stage with him during the second half. The segment was undoubtedly the funniest I've seen of this nature. Ryan was perfectly cast for this role.

Cast Sleeping Beauty

Jess Pritchard played Fairy Sparkle and was a great narrator. She dedicated the performance to her mum and I have no doubt that her mum would have been proud. She was a breath of fresh air and her vocal talent was simply stunning. Laura Gregory is a regular on the pantomime circuit and always performs with enthusiasm and passion. She played a magnificent Princess Aurora and was a hit with the audience.
Corey Rumble played Prince George. He seemed a little nervous at first and his delivery seemed quite stilted. He soon relaxed and eased into his role as one of the protagonists. 

 The costumes were great and the set design as is characteristic of the theatre was impressive, full of glitz and fairy-tale promise.

I much preferred Act two as the pace felt more reasonable and the content more engaging. The scene where Riverdance was re-enacted was brilliant. Sarah Walker choreographed some beautiful pieces and it was great to see a range of ages of cast members display their talents.

Panto veteran Roy Brandon played Dame Queenie alongside Warren Donnelly who played King Ethelered. The innuendo for the adult contingent of the audience was less covert and more overt in this production. It was an engaging show and a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Don't snooze like Aurora or else you will lose out on seeing this show this half term.

Tam Ryan (Chester The Jester) and Laura Gregory (Princess Aurora)

Tickets can be purchased here
Tickets  are from £11
Listing Details

Regal Entertainments Ltd presents: Sleeping Beauty
Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct, 1pm & 5pm


Glitter Shows

Golden Seats (Stalls Row A – G)
Adult: £17/ Concession: £16/ Child: £15/ Family: £63
Standard Seats
Adult: £15/ Concession: £14/ Child: £13/ Family: £55
Groups (20+): £11 per seat

Sparkle Shows

Golden Seats (Stalls Row A – G)
Adult: £15/ Concession: £14/ Child: £13/ Family: £55
Standard Seats
Adult: £13/ Concession: £12/ Child: £11/ Family: £41

Groups (20+): £9 per seat