Review: SLEEPING BEAUTY, CAST Doncaster

During panto season, you are guaranteed a fun festive night out, and Doncaster's modern take on Sleeping Beauty doesn't disappoint.

This pantomime certainly hasn't had a smooth start to its run, with technical issues meaning that not only was opening night rescheduled, but the show was also delayed by half an hour on Saturday night. The staff were very apologetic and we were introduced to the brilliant stand-ins: Jasmin Vessey (the choreographer) who was playing Nixie the Pixie, and Becky Barry (the Creative Associate) who stood in as the villain Vanity Vainglory at the last minute with a script in hand. Both did a brilliant job in keeping the show going. The whole situation was handled very well.

This show features sign language throughout, including encouraging the audience to join in by teaching a few words. This is not surprising considering that Sleeping Beauty herself, Princess Rose, is deaf (played by BSL poet Zoë McWhinney). A beautiful moment in this pantomime is Princess Rose signing 'Fight Song' as she sets off to save her Prince.

This pantomime definitely has a modern twist, not only because of the groundbreaking use of BSL, but also because of its storyline. In this version of the story, waking up the Princess is not the end of their problems! Featuring a dragon, a 90s megamix and lots of Yorkshire references, this show is definitely unique! Cathy Breeze provides a lot of the Yorkshire comedy as the good fairy Reytgood, complete with Yorkshire Rose wand and shoes!

The sparkling set and costumes are beautiful and really get us in the panto mood. The junior ensemble are great and the dancing, brilliant.

The show has plenty of comedy, mostly from Andy Cryer as the dame Super Nanny Fanny, but it also has some very sweet and tender moments between the Princess and her father, as well as when she met her Prince.

This pantomime was certainly a hit with the audience and will appeal to the whole family, with all the usual panto jokes and traditions and lots of opportunities to join in. The show is still finding its feet but will definitely bloom as it continues its run and overcomes the technical issues that have complicated its opening.

A reyt good festive Yorkshire night out!

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Romy Morgan

Sleeping Beauty plays at CAST Doncaster until 31 December, with tickets available here.