The Nottingham Playhouse pantomime is always a jubilant festive charmer, a glittering celebration of Christmas in the heart of the city. Sleeping Beauty is the fairytale of choice this season, and as we take our seats in the auditorium we rest assured that it will have been given the very special magical treatment we’ve come to know and love at the hands of director Adam Penford and designer Cleo Pettitt.
At the centre of this year’s spectacle, as ever, is John Elkington, Nottingham’s much-loved panto dame, whose comedy turns are as warm and welcoming as a mulled-wine on a wintry evening. He brings the kind of joyful chaos that only a seasoned pantomime artist can: quick-witted banter, perfect pratfalls, and that knowing look aside that makes us feel like we are participating in the show. His costumes are nothing short of magnificent, ranging from ‘under the sea’ to ‘Christmas choc box’. What a treat for the eyes!
The story itself is timeless: the evil fairy Maleficent is furious at being snubbed from the Princess’s party, and so lays a curse that plans to place the princess into a hundred year slumber that can only be broken by the magic of true love. In her first panto, Yazmin King shines as Princess Rose, graceful and kind-hearted, bringing energy and joy to the Nottingham stage. TJ Lloyd is rather magnificent as her father, the benevolent King, regal and grounded if prone to the odd hilarious malapropism. Lara Sas is menacing and magnetic as Maleficent, weaving her dark magic with every dastardly appearance and relishing every boo and hiss. Our Prince is Seb Harwood, who possesses a gawkish charm that you can’t help but love. What a voice too! Charis Alexandra delights as Fairy Lights, the spell casting goodie whose magic lubricates the wheels of the story just when it is needed most.
My favourite performance of the evening comes in the form of the adorably playful Teddy the Bear, served up to us by Danny Hendrix – such a comforting presence – as cuddly and loyal as you’d hope – the kids here this evening adore him. A fine performer who lights up the stage with energy and has incredible vocals to match.
Costume and set design by Cleo Pettitt deserve special praise. Regal gowns shimmer as though covered in frost, while Maleficent’s dark robes contrast sharply, reminding us that even amid Christmas lights there’s room for a touch of gothic menace. The effects are dazzling: a dramatic thorn-wall that ensnares in the climactic moment and a dragon of sizeable proportions. Every backdrop is a hand-painted Playhouse work of art. It really is exquisite.
But the real joy of this production lies in its community spirit. You sense the Playhouse’s pride: the chorus of young local performers (Team Dean perform impeccably this evening with Team Torvill making a special guest appearance at the press night curtain call), the clever local gags, and every sing-along moment feels rooted in Nottingham itself. This is panto for Nottingham, by Nottingham.
One of the stand-out elements is the musical direction by ‘Uncle’ Johnny Morton. The musical interludes are upbeat numbers that lift the atmosphere, all supported by a fabulous band.
As the curtain falls, confetti drifts like snow, the house lights come up, and we walk out into Nottingham’s first December night with a spring in our step. Sleeping Beauty at the Nottingham Playhouse is a festive triumph – a beautifully crafted, joy-filled panto that weaves together traditional fairy tale, community fun, all with a very Nottingham flavour. It has all the elements required to keep the whole family happy this festive season. This is one very special Playhouse panto.
Photos credit: Manuel Harlan
