The successful pantomime formula is well established this century. A familiar title, an energetic comic, a villain you love to hate, a magical effect or two, and some standard pantomime business together with a well dressed and drilled ensemble. If you add a panto legend and an iconic puppet, you should have perfect entertainment. That is exactly what Woking’s Sleeping Beauty does with Richard Cadell at the centre of it as the director and court magician.

Alan McHugh’s script dispenses with the usual prologue and jumps right in as the Princess approaches her 21st birthday so we miss the charm of the good fairies blessings and there is no Dame Nanny character. There is just enough narrative to hang the various routines together so it is a little bit more than a variety show but a perfect showcase for Cadell’s lovely blend of children’s entertainer and adult comic. He brings bags of energy and personality to the stage and his magic tricks are impressive, including his appearance on a motorbike, the chain saw escape and the three buckets routine. Add to this Twin FX‘s brilliant helicopter flying out over the stalls and a huge dragon peering over the footlights and you have plenty of awesome spectacle to enjoy. Families will also enjoy his control of the songsheet with two kids doing the ‘Music Man’ song with some gentle teasing of his willing helpers.

Faye Tozer makes a very good Carabosse, evil but likeable and although she makes reference to her band, Steps, we have to wait until the finale for her to deliver the hits. She enters into the fun too with a witty, adult lip sync routine with Cadell before joining him and others in the usual ‘If I were not upon the stage’. The ensemble of eight are also excellent, dressed in the fabulous costumes from the Palladium shows and choreographed by Aaron Renfree, the routines are well drilled and attractive.

The panto legend comes in the form of Christopher Biggins flown in as the Spirit of the Dreams on each appearance, apart from a show-stopping interruption of the ‘If I were not upon the stage’ routine. He did appear to be reading his lines out of a conveniently placed book but spoke with his usual charm and happy smile.

Sooty too is a joy, more for the parents who remember their childhood than the current generation of under tens, although it is Sweep that steals the show with his Pavarotti impression. The usual Sooty props of a camper van driven across the stage add some more amusing illusion.

Cadell packs a great amount of business into this two-hour show and the time flies by with illusion and comedy filling the stage. It is impossible not to like his delivery and the action, although without a Dame and a very thin narrative, it may not be perfect pantomime, but it certainly is a wonderful family evening’s entertainment.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Nick Wayne

Sleeping Beauty plays at the New Victoria Theatre Woking until 5 January 2025, with tickets available here.