Sleeping Beauty review – York's pun-packed crowd-pleaser has a double helping of fairy dust

Sleeping Beauty Review: A Delightful, Familiar Treat for Families

York Theatre Royal's festive production of Sleeping Beauty has once again proven to be a crowd-pleasing and family-friendly treat. For the fifth year running, the show is helmed by writer-producer Paul Hendy, who has perfected the formula that makes this pantomime an annual tradition. The result is a reliably entertaining experience with a string of familiar set pieces that will delight audiences.

The addition of new elements, such as the daft classroom routine and capering ghouls, add to the show's sense of unpredictability and fun. And then there are the comedic moments that have become synonymous with this production – from the ghost bench to the pre-interval spectacle – each one delivering a welcome laugh.

The standout performance comes from Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie, Princess Aurora's thrice-widowed protector. His irreverent wit and timing are on full display as he delivers some of the show's best jokes. The supporting cast also shines, with strong performances from Tommy Carmichael in the Buttons-style role of Jangles and an entertaining double act between CBeebies' Jennie Dale and seasoned musical theatre performer Jocasta Almgill.

However, what's slightly lost in this offering is the distinctive local flavour that makes pantomime at its best. While the show still packs a punch with some well-executed puns, it feels somewhat lacking in topical flair compared to previous years.

Despite this, York Theatre Royal's Sleeping Beauty remains a delightfully silly and family-friendly production that will continue to charm audiences for years to come. With its tried-and-true formula and talented cast, it's an annual treat not to be missed.

I gotta say, I loved the new additions to Sleeping Beauty like the daft classroom routine and capering ghouls - they added a fresh energy to the show! But at the same time, I felt like we've seen this formula before and it's not as edgy as some of the other pantomimes out there. Dame Robin Simpson was on fire though! And the supporting cast was great too, especially Jennie Dale and Jocasta Almgill. The only thing that's missing is a bit more... I dunno, something to make it feel truly local? Like we're not just rehashing the same old jokes and set pieces every year Still, it was a fun night out and I'm sure the kids loved it!

omg i was there on friday night with my fam and OMG the nurse was so funny his jokes were on point lol also idk about the critic saying its lacking local flavour idc what they mean york theatre royal always does a great job at making it feel festive our son wasnt really into it tho he just fell asleep like 3 times

I'm so down with this latest version of Sleeping Beauty at the York Theatre Royal ! It's still a total family fave, I mean who doesn't love a good panto? The new bits are on point, like that daft classroom routine, and it's always lit when Dame Robin Simpson is on stage as Nurse Nellie. He's the real MVP of comedy . But yeah, sometimes it feels like they're phoning it in with the topical stuff, you know? Not as original or edgy as some other pantos, but still super fun and entertaining for all ages . I'm def gonna grab my little ones to see it again this year!

I'm so over all these pantomime re-runs . I mean, I get it, they're fun and all, but can't we mix it up a bit? It feels like the same old story every year... Sleeping Beauty, Sleeping Beauty, Sleeping Beauty . Don't get me wrong, Dame Robin Simpson's Nurse Nellie is always a highlight , but even that's getting a bit stale after five years. I'm all for some new elements and surprises to keep it fresh, not just more of the same old jokes and set pieces . Still, I guess if you're into this sort of thing, York Theatre Royal's Sleeping Beauty is still the bee's knees !

omg u guyz!!! i went 2 sleeping beauty @ york theatre royal last wknd & it was SOOO much fun!! the cast r super talented esp dame robin simpson as nurse nellie, he got me laughing like crazy! the set pieces are so familar but they still manage 2 bring a smile 2 ur face. my only nitpick is that its a bit lacking in originality this yr. still wud def go see it again

OMG , I just got back from the show with my fam and we all had a blast! It's always so much fun to watch the panto, especially the ghouls and goblins . Dame Robin Simpson is a total legend as Nurse Nellie , his jokes are EVERYTHING . I love how they've added some new bits this year, like that daft classroom routine , but yeah, it's still kinda same old, same old . Still, we'll be back next year for more laughs and silly fun with the gang . #PantoPerfection #SleepingBeautyShines

I went to see the panto at the theatre last week with my kid and we had so much fun ! The old guy playing Nurse Nellie was hilarious , I was laughing out loud like a fool. They also did some cool new bits that made it feel fresh again. But you know what? I felt like it was just a bit samey this year, not as special as the ones before . Maybe they should try to make it more about our local stuff so it feels more unique . Overall though, it's still a great show and I'd go see it again in a heartbeat !

I mean, I know some people might say, "Oh, pantomime is so cheesy," but honestly, there's something about the old-school formula that just gets me . It's like watching a classic Disney movie, but live on stage! The daft classroom routine had me giggling out loud - reminds me of when I was a kid and we'd do similar skits at school plays . Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie is hilarious, by the way! He's got that same old-school comedian vibe going on . Don't get me wrong, it's not as edgy as some of today's stuff, but sometimes I think that's what makes it so charming - a bit like how my grandma used to make these amazing old-fashioned Christmas cookies ... anyway, gotta say, York Theatre Royal's Sleeping Beauty is still a top-notch production!

I'm so over the whole sleeping beauty thing... I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a classic and all, but it's just so... predictable ‍. The new stuff they added in this year was pretty cool tho, like the classroom bit with the kids and the ghouls . But for some reason, it feels kinda lacking in that special something that makes pantomime magic happen. I mean, where's the edge? The twist? It just felt a bit too safe . Still, if you're gonna see it, go for it, it's a great way to spend an evening with the fam .

idk why they keep reusing the same set pieces , pantomime should try something new this year . Dame Robin Simpson though is a lifesaver as Nurse Nellie, he saves the show every time . CBeebies' Jennie Dale is super underrated in that double act with Jocasta Almgill . what's disappointing tho is how predictable it gets after 4+ years of doing this production

I just saw the review of Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal and I gotta say, it sounds like they're onto something . I loved pantomimes when I was a kid and this one does sound like a real crowd-pleaser. The addition of new elements is always exciting and it's great to hear that Dame Robin Simpson is bringing his A-game as Nurse Nellie. Those comedy moments are so important in a show like this, they really make it feel like a special treat for the whole family. I'm a bit curious about what they mean by "distinctive local flavour" though... do you think it's something that would get an older audience like me too?

idk about all the fuss over this sleeping beauty show it's just another pantomime right? i mean don't get me wrong, dame robin simpson is hilarious as nurse nellie lol but has it really improved since last year's show? and yeah, the daft classroom routine was kinda funny but it feels like they're just phoning it in this year. also, what's with all the new elements trying to make it "unpredictable" and "fun"? can't we just stick to what works?

I'm so over the formulaic pantomimes every year . They're just rehashing the same old jokes and set pieces. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's still a lot of fun for families, but can't we try something new for a change? Give us some fresh ideas and a bit more edge to keep up with the times .

I loved Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie though - his timing is always spot on . And Jennie Dale and Jocasta Almgill's double act was hilarious! But yeah, I'm still waiting for a real game-changer in the pantomime world .

I agree with the reviewer that the new elements in this year's Sleeping Beauty show are a great addition! I loved the daft classroom routine, it was so funny! The comedy moments are always on point, especially when it comes to Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie. He's hilarious! And the supporting cast is amazing too! Jennie Dale and Jocasta Almgill make a great double act

I just watched the new Sleeping Beauty panto at York Theatre Royal and I'm still grinning from ear to ear . It's that perfect blend of slapstick humor, silly jokes, and nostalgic charm that makes it a must-see for families every year. Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie is absolutely brilliant - his timing is on point and he always knows how to crack us up ! The whole cast is top-notch, with standout performances from Tommy Carmichael and the hilarious CBeebies duo . It's a shame it didn't bring some more local flair to the show, but honestly, who needs topical stuff when you've got a recipe for success like this? ️ I'm already counting down till next year's panto - can't wait to see what Paul Hendy and the team come up with!

still love pantomime every year is like christmas morning for kids, but you're right about the local flavour thing, it can get a bit predictable i mean its always the same formula but that's what makes it so familiar and comforting for families

I just saw the funniest video of a cat trying to "help" with cooking on YouTube yesterday... like, the cat is literally sitting there, staring at the ingredients, waiting for them to magically combine into a dish . Anyway, back to Sleeping Beauty – I love how they always incorporate the audience into the show, it's so much fun! Do you guys have any funny stories about when you were little and got "scared" during pantomime performances?

I'm so down for a good ol' fashioned pantomime night But, you know, I kinda miss the magic of when these shows used to be a bit more...subversive? Like, some of the older ones had this edgy vibe that was still fun and playful but also tackled some real issues. Nowadays it all feels a bit too formulaic and safe for my taste Still, I do love Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie - his timing is impeccable! And let's be real, who doesn't love a good ghost bench gag? ️

I'm so down for the new season of Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal! The addition of daft classroom routine & capering ghouls sounds like so much fun . Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie is a steal - he always brings that extra oomph to his performances . I'm also excited to see what new elements they'll be adding this year... and of course, I'll be laughing my head off at the ghost bench & pre-interval spectacle !