Fairy Tales, Filthy Jokes and Pure Panto Chaos – Nottingham Playhouse Nails It!

Written by Katie Barr

Walking out of Nottingham Playhouse after last night’s Sleeping Beauty still feeling bewitched, it’s safe to say this year’s pantomime is a charmer – a magical mix of glittering spectacle, hearty laughs and genuine warmth. The production draws you in from the first moment the curtain lifts and doesn’t let you got until the final snow fall. 

From a purely visible standpoint, this Sleeping Beauty is a joy. Designer Cleo Pettitt and the production team have outdone themselves with spellbinding set pieces and breathtaking props. Every scene sparkles and feels like stepping into a live storybook. The backdrop is rich with hand-painted detail, while the props, from enchanted forest thorns to glittering palace accoutrements, help create a fully realised, breathtaking world right on the playhouse stage. The costumes too are a highlight: sumptuous fabrics, bold colours and whimsical flourishes make every entrance feel like a parade and truly elevate the whole performance. Nelly’s many costumes were a personal favourite. 

On stage, the cast brings joy and mischief in equal measure. Nelly the Nanny, played by the amazing John Elkington, was a standout. His comedic timing and playful banter set the tone for much of the evening’s fun. Nelly took hold of each scene, sashaying in, sparkling wildly and owning them. This character became the beating heart of the evening’s humour. Close on his heels is Prince Albert (played with charisma and flair by Seb Harwood). What an absolute delight. He carries himself with classic fairy-tale charm, but with a cheeky glint that tells you he’s fully aware of the chaos swirling around him. He gives the romantic storyline genuine warmth, but he’s just as quick to throw himself into a gag, exaggerated pratfall, or an intentionally over-dramatic swoon.

And let’s not forget Teddy – adorably played by Danny Hendrix – whose presence lit up the theatre every time he padded out in his fluffy glory. Childhood whimsy and earnest charm come together in his scenes so naturally that it’s no wonder the younger audience members near me squealed with delight. Of course, no Sleeping Beauty would be complete without a deliciously wicked Maleficent, and this year’s villain does not disappoint. Sweeping onto the stage in a storm of attitude and fabulous costuming, Lara Sas delivers every line with relish, dripping with theatrical menace and just the right amount of camp. Her presence shifts the whole energy of the room; kids shrink delightfully into their seats while adults grin, waiting to the next insult. Her booming entrances, wicked cackles and dramatic flourishes bring the perfect contrast to the show’s sweet and silliness. 

The show’s strength lies, as always with a great panto, in its cheeky heart. The innuendos, the interactive moments, and the deliciously over-the-top audience participation. The script takes full advantage of the Playhouse crowd, inviting cheers, boos, and laughter in all the right places. The cast play to the audience expertly, whether it’s a well-timed comment to the children to a wink at the grown-ups in the back row, the connection feels natural and thoroughly part of the experience. That said, Sleeping Beauty doesn’t quite reach perfection in every beat. At times the pacing dips slightly in the middle – a couple scenes could benefit from, tighter edit, some jokes that fell flat. Though to be far, the overall energy rarely falters. These are small quibbles in what is otherwise an evening that sparkles. 

The supporting elements – lighting, sound design and choreography – all serve the production well. Rosanna Bate’s choreography gives life to the fairies and forest creatures, and Tim Mitchell’s lighting helps transform the stage from moonlit mystery to festive celebration in moments. The music, lively and varied, ties everything together, echoing through the aisles and gets toes tapping. What makes this particular night memorable isn’t just the polish and production values, but the sense of shared delight in the room. It’s the communal magic that makes pantomime feel like one of the most joyful theatrical traditions, and Sleeping Beauty at Nottingham Playhouse embraces it wholeheartedly. 

While it wasn’t flawless, the show does deliver an unforgettable festive experience. With gorgeous visuals, spirited performances and the right blend of audience banter and theatrical magic, it’s a production worth seeing. This version of Sleeping Beauty offers plenty of laughter, sparkle and warmth to last well beyond the curtain call.  If you haven’t caught it yet, you’re in luck — Sleeping Beauty is still running at Nottingham Playhouse, with plenty of showings left for families, panto-lovers, and anyone in need of a festive pick-me-up. Make sure to grab your tickets! 

All content is original to The Literary Lounge.

In-article images taken by Manuel Harlan. No changes were made to these images. 

Featured Image credited to Manuel Harlan.

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