Crossroads Pantomimes brings Sleeping Beauty to Darlington Hippodrome for this festive season and it certainly will not send you to sleep, with a burst of life and energy it’s non-stop from start to finish.
I found it very difficult to boo and hiss this year’s panto baddie, with Carabosse, being the incredible Su Pollard.
With her career spanning over 50 years, I’ve never been disappointed in any performance I’ve seen her in.
She was certainly that lovable baddie with plenty of charm, of course she still got plenty of boos and hisses throughout.
It was Carabosse that filled in the story of Sleeping Beauty, so that the story element of the performance moves swiftly on, leaving us with plenty of panto magic.
The sprinkling of panto goodness is there to save the delightful Princess Aurora, Stephanie Costi, from Carabosse.
Panto dame, Nurse Nellie, Jamie Jones, has an incredible wardrobe and copes very well with the high heels.
The love interest for Princess Aurora is provided by Prince Lee, Lee Mead, known for winning the role of Joseph in the West End, musical fans were pleased he was able to show his singing skills from Joseph. The wonderful Spirit of the Pantomime, Olivia Foster-Browne provided the sparkle required for panto.
The highlight must be Muddles, Josh Benson, returning, again this year. From the moment entering the stage, he’s full of energy providing excellent humour, great timing and instantly loved by the audience, he truly is Mr Panto.
Plenty of panto magic with sparkling costumes, stunning sets and lighting and the incredible special effects to end the first act which gets everyone talking about make this yet another spectacular panto at the Hippodrome.
Sleeping Beauty runs at Darlington Hippodrome until December 31 2024.
