Review (PR Tickets)¦ Let me just start with a bold claim: this was the best panto I’ve seen! It is full of fun and twists, plus Orchard West has the crème de la crème of a pantomime cast in Dartford this year. Behind this year’s production of Sleeping Beauty are Imagine Theatre, a husband and wife team who balance family life alongside their business. As such, it’s no surprise that this show really does have family at the heart of it, with something for everyone! My husband, our 3 year old son, 8 year old daughter and I attended the gala performance on Saturday evening and all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Cast
It’s quite heartwarming that many of this year’s cast are local! I’m sure I speak for thousands of us when I say we were immensely proud to see Sydnie Christmas winning Britain’s Got Talent this year (I believe she’s a Gravesend girl like me). It was wonderful to witness her huge talent in person, as we are lucky enough to have her starring as Fairy Christmas in this panto. Autumn was very excited as she is a big fan of Sydnie’s. She drove me mad talking about her during Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, but I have to admit that Sydnie’s voice is amazing. When she starts singing, everything else just stops in that moment. She certainly brought the magic to the role of Fairy Christmas!
Also locals, the brilliantly funny Simmons & Simmons are seasoned pantomime pros and are a father and son duo from just up the road.
Meanwhile, Christian Lee adds comedy with a touch of magic to the show as Josh the Jester (he was Autumn’s favourite character!) Other stars of the show include West End stars Cleve September (Hamilton) as the prince, Lucy May Pollard (Matilda) as Beauty and Larissa Alexandrovnia (Sister Act) as the wicked fairy Carabosse. Everyone was amazing, but I think my favourite was Carabosse. Larissa perfectly plays the baddie you love to hate. She commands the stage, is scary and imposing and has a fabulous voice to boot!
Cast rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Theatre
It’s no secret that everyone has been eager for The Orchard Theatre in Dartford to re-open following its sudden, immediate closure last September due to RAAC concrete in its roof. However, in a testament to their tenacity, a temporary theatre was ready to go by December 2023. It is this theatre, Orchard West, that is home to this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. While effectively a big tent, we didn’t find it lacking in any way (the sound quality and lighting effects were excellent, refreshments were good and the toilets were clean and modern). Indeed, there’s something quite sad about it being the last pantomime there. As Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford Borough Council said in a speech during the post-show party, “It’s a tent with memories”.
Theatre rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Storyline
I won’t say too much, but this panto is the classic story of Sleeping Beauty with some unexpected twists and turns. This includes one twist that is sure to be popular with Dr. Who fans! The stage is adorned with a beautiful, glittery set which mesmerised us as soon as we entered the theatre with two enclaves either side of the main stage. (Sorry, there may be a better way of describing this if you are involved in theatre!) There are plenty of opportunities to point, shout and join in, just as you would hope for. We really enjoyed lots of booing with our foam thumbs from the merchandise stand each time Carabosse appeared surrounded by smoke!
There were also lots of classic pantomime jokes and side skits woven into the storyline, plus a mention of ‘skibidi rizz!’ which delighted Autumn. Most of these were framed by Simmons & Simmons; largely the kind of joke that make you groan but laugh anyway! Despite this being an element of traditional pantomime, they still kept it fresh and modern.
Meanwhile, Christian Lee’s unique blend of comedy and magic as Josh the Jester was a fantastic part of the show with tricks including plates and a giant balloon! There is also the odd cheeky joke which only adults will get, strewn amongst the family-friendly ones.
If I were to make one criticism of the pantomime, it was that the first half of the story was sometimes a little slow-moving in spite of the energy on the stage. However, a lot of the dialogue was important to set the scene and the second half more than made up for any slowness at the start with its increase in drama and audience participation!
Storyline rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall Rating
All four of us thoroughly enjoyed the show and would highly recommend it. There were no gimmicks…and none were needed, as even the stunning glittering sets couldn’t out-sparkle the cast’s talent! At two hours long plus an interval, it was a good length and even our 3 year old was occupied throughout. We all left the Orchard West theatre feeling very festive and jolly!
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Booking Your Show
Sleeping Beauty runs until Sunday 5th January 2025. Tickets start from £27.00, plus a transaction fee.
There are relaxed, BSL and audio described performances available on selected dates.
Address: Orchard Theatre, 20-54 Hythe Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1BX
Disclosure: We received tickets to the aforementioned show in exchange for this review. As always, all views and opinions are honest and my own.
Cover photo credit: Danny Kaan