To say there are big shoes to fill in this year’s panto would be an understatement – because York Theatre Royal’s 41st pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, is the first ever not to star legendary dame Berwick Kaler.
Have no fear though because the other well-loved regulars Martin Barrass, AJ Powell, Suzy Cooper and loveable baddie David Leonard are continuing on with the ‘annual rubbish’. That being said, I was ever so slightly nervous about what to expect. Berwick Kaler has always been the star of the Theatre Royal panto, and, dare I say, the sole reason why some people go to watch. So, despite him writing and co-directing this year’s offering, could Sleeping Beauty meet audiences’ expectations?
I’m going to start off by addressing the elephant in the room: Martin Barrass.
Known for playing Berwick’s slapstick sidekick, he’s now heading the bill as Queen Ariadne. My initial thought as he stepped on stage? It’s like Dec without Ant. But. And this is a big but. We know what Dec’s like without Ant – and it wasn’t bad. It was just different. Dec did a wonderful job of Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity – it just took some getting used to.
That’s exactly what Sleeping Beauty was like. It was like watching Britain’s Got Talent without Ant. It wasn’t the same, but it was more-than-amply led by Barrass, and the show was still the show that we all know and love.
David Leonard’s entrance as Evil Diva was as magnificent as always, and he continues each year to remind us why he’s the best villain in Pantoland. Supported by ‘luv-er-lay’ Brummie AJ Powell who plays Darth Diva, the two made an impact early on with a parody of The Book of Mormon song, Man Up. I, being a hardcore musical theatre fan, was singing along despite not knowing the words that they’ve adapted. I also thoroughly enjoyed their take on 2014 Eurovision winner, Rise Like a Phoenix.
Suzy Cooper was an obvious choice to play the title role of Beauty, and she didn’t disappoint with her usual grace, elegance, and panto-perfect comic timing.
The ensemble – led by regular Dance Captain Danielle Mullan – were extremely energetic and brought attitude and professionalism every time they came on stage. The French number in act one had particularly good choreography, and ‘Rise Like a Princess’ showed off the vocal abilities of the cast through immaculate harmonies.
The second half sees a cheeky nod to local theatre reviewer Charles Hutchinson in the form of undercover reporter Darth Diva, and it was interesting to hear the chuckles from the few audience members that got this. I personally have now made it my mission to be an honorary character in a future panto. Berwick, if you’re reading this, I think you need a female journalist character in your next show. Named Brooks. Claire Brooks.
There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the show, but for me it was the young lad that decided to show his true feelings to David Leonard. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it was a fantastic scene stealer. I also enjoyed the ‘he’s behind you’ moment. Very funny.
If you’ve been to see a Theatre Royal panto before and you’re slightly apprehensive about buying a ticket this year, then don’t be. It’s definitely worth seeing, and the team make a brilliant show. Of course it’s not the same, but it’s wonderfully adapted – and you’ll still see Berwick in places as he makes some cheeky cameos. And if you’ve never seen a Theatre Royal panto before then, now’s the perfect time to start.
Sleeping Beauty is on until 25th January, with various performance dates and times. Click here for more information and to book.
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