Sleeping Beauty Is An Absolute Joy

This year’s Wolverhampton Grand panto had its press night last night and it is just spectacular! Sleeping Beauty is the best Wolves panto in years, an absolutely amazing mix of exquisite sets and costumes, great songs, hilarious one liners and a top notch cast clearly enjoying every single moment. The dream team of writers Tam Ryan and Ian Adams have delivered something very special this year, a panto to be cherished!

The Cast

Everything is just perfect with the casting in this production. I love the local feel with both the very handsome Prince Soloman Davy (returning after his triumphant performance as Link in Hairspray) and a scene stealing Zak Douglas both being from Wolverhampton. This was Zak’s first panto and he was brilliantly funny throughout, whilst Solomon was a perfect Prince who hilariously deadpanbed through one of the funniest scenes I’ve seen on stage this year, the song ‘I’m All Alone’.

The rest of the cast is also top notch. Tam Ryan and Ian Adams may just be one of the funniest double acts in panto land, they always deliver the laughs, and this year is no exception. Debra Stephenson is brilliant as the Queen, throwing in a host of uncanny impersonations that delighted the audience. Georgia Iudica-Davies is a lovely Beauty, with exceptionally rich vocals. The standout performance though, is Danny Beard as a devilish Carabosse. Who knew that Chicago’s Cell Block Tango, one of my all time favourite musical numbers, would work so well in panto. Danny has to be a shoe-in for Velma in any new Chicago tours, this was a sensational performance!

Staging

This is a production that looks gorgeous, it sparkles and shines and is just a feast for the eyes. The costumes are stunning, particularly the often hilarious ones worn by Ian Adams, and Carabosse’s vampish looks.

The song choices are great, a bit of Eurovision, the panto favourite ‘I don’t Care’, even a bit of Kylie. There’s a chaotic version of The 12 Days of Christmas (presents) that quite literally brings the house down and is just glorious, exactly what panto is all about.

Sleeping Beauty at the Wolverhampton Grand is just sensational. An absolute Christmas Cracker.

Sleeping Beauty

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Until 4th January

Click here for ticket information

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