‘We Will Have to Do it Again Then Won’t We?’ Sleeping Beauty (Pantomime) – Orchard Theatre, Dartford, 17.12.2024

So, it is finally Christmas and I was delighted to be invited along to the press night of this years Pantomime at the Orchard West Theatre, Dartford. Having held a few events myself this month it was great to finally sit down and be part of the audience and what a great show to do so!

Having partnered with a new pantomime producer, Imagine Theatre – this years story was that of Sleeping Beauty. A young princess who on her christening was cursed by bad Fairy Carabosse, that on her 18th birthday she would prick her finger on a spinning wheel and sadly die. With the help of good Fairy Christmas, Her Father King Prawn, Lord Chamberlain, Josh the Jester and her true love Prince Galileo can the curse be reversed?

Well, you will just need to buy tickets to find out, wont you? However, you will not be disappointed, this year’s pantomime brings everything you’d expect from a panto and a little bit more! with a great range of sparkly sets, plenty of dancing to many great songs, and jokes and laughs that are not just for the kids, but for the adults as well! Who ever said a panto is just for kids….needs to go and see one! As there is just something about being in the audience and partaking in the show that you can’t not enjoy! I particularly loved the classic Bench scene, which brought great participation from the audience – showing that they were fully engulfed and enjoying the show!

BGT winner Sydnie Christmas leads the cast as Fairy Christmas, and from the moment she steps onto the stage her presence is as sparkly as her dress! She had the correct persona for a good fairy, not only casting magical spells throughout the story but also spellbinding the audience with her out of this world vocals! It was amazing to hear her live and be blown away by each solo she performed. Her welcoming personality makes you instantly warm to her, she was a great addition to the show.

Joining her on stage were father and son comedy duo, Keith and Ben Simmons, known as ‘Pantomime Legends’ the two were an instant favourite from the moment they stepped on stage. Bringing to life the classic pantomime skits that we all love and introducing them to any newcomers perfectly. Their disappearing cabinet trick, had the audience chuckling away and you could tell they were loving every moment of it! Bringing in the rear, was Christian Lee, a comedy magician and BGT finalist, who without doubt brought magic to the stage with a few impressive tricks, which I would of liked to have seen more of but his character was fun and silly, and the classic jester that we all need from a pantomime.

As Princess Beauty was Lucy May Pollard, who showed the sweet and innocent character with some impressive vocals. Her leading man, West End Cleve September was also great to watch as Prince Galileo new to Pantomime you could tell he was enjoying himself but also showed off his great talent with his singing, dancing and acting. Their duet was a joy to watch, along with their relationship on stage which was perfectly portrayed.

Now it can’t be a panto, without a villain, Larrissa Alexandrovinia slayed Carabosse giving the perfect bad witch attitude every chance she could get, but also showing the audience her great voice during her few solos of the night – I would of liked to have heard more. Her partnership with Sydnie was defiantly a sisterly love, which all can relate to. She completed the cast wonderfully, allowing a great balance of character on stage, where no one overshadowed the other allowing them all to each have their moment, that allowed the audience to see just how talented they all were!

If your looking for the classic pantomime, that without fail will make you laugh, have you dancing in your seat, and come away feeling that little bit more festive – then look no further West and head to the Orchard West! One for all the family, and friends, a great night out to help you get ready for Christmas and guarantee you a great time out!

Playing up until Sunday 5th January, all tickets and times can be purchased here. They have already announced next years Pantomime too, the classic Cinderella with tickets already available to purchase now, here. I can’t wait to see what they next have the store!