Steph Cadey and her nine year old son enjoy an evening of pantomime fun
It wouldn’t be christmas without a pantomime – oh no it wouldn’t! – and my son and I couldn’t wait to enjoy the festive fun of Sleeping Beauty at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon
From start to finish, the production was packed full of local references, slap stick comedy and humour for both adults and children to enjoy. This was our first visit to the Wyvern Theatre and it’s a lovely, big space which allows for great views of the beautiful set. What’s more, the lights above the seating area make for a truly magical atmosphere – we didn’t know where to look first!
Soon the performance was underway, with the evil queen Carabosse (boo!) craving popularity from social media and determined to do almost anything to gain new followers. Michelle Collins gives a truly brilliant performance as the queen, full of menace and an expert at rounding on the audience.
Of course, she’s at her worse at the baby Princess Rose’s christening. While all of the good fairies give gifts to the princess, the evil fairy casts a spell of death upon the child if she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel. It’s left to the magical fairy, Flora, to cast the last spell, weakening the curse so that it only puts Rose to sleep for 100 years, where she will not age and only be awoken by true loves kiss. Can Prince Dickie save Rose from a little prick?
What follows is a wonderful family show full of traditional family fun that had Austin, my son, on the edge of his seat and joining in at every opportunity!
Among the many wonderful performances is Matthew Rixon as the hilarious and extravagantly attired panto dame, Nanny Nutkins. From start to finish, Austin and I were in fits of giggles every time she was on the stage.
Big applause also to CBeebies favourite, Chris Jarvis, as Happy Harry, who was a particular favourite with the younger children. My favourite part was the hilarious rendition of The 12 Days Of Christmas – who doesn’t love singing about toilet rolls with the added shock of being soaked by a water pistol? I felt like a child again!
This was our first panto in good while and what a treat it was – just the thing to put a smile on your face and get us in the mood for Christmas. Luckily Sleeping Beauty is running until 5 January, so be sure to get a ticket. This is a pantomime not to be missed.
For more information and to book tickets, click here