The Wolverhampton Grand’s eagerly awaited Panto returns in a riot of garish glitter, stunning spectacle and healthy dose of holiday hilarity. Sleeping Beauty - which runs until Sunday 4 January - represents a tradition of over 130 years of pantomime at The Wolverhampton Grand, and you can certainly tell. 

If anyone knows how to put on a spectacular show, which celebrates and elevates one of the most fun elements of British tradition and culture, it’s this team. Local talent, a live orchestra, amazing choreography, jaw-dropping visuals and at least 40 custard pies, The Grand’s take on Sleeping Beauty is a masterpiece.  

The story follows the classic tale - when the dastardly Carabosse gives her a poisoned spinning wheel, Princess Beauty pricks her finger on its needle, falling into a deep 100-year sleep which can only be broken by true love's kiss. Will Prince Charming be able to save the day and overthrow evil Carabosse in the process?

Written by and starring Ian Adams and Tam Ryan - returning veterans of Wolverhampton’s best loved Christmas tradition - the book nimbly and joyfully treads the line of wit, entendre, classic call-and-response, cultural references and sheer slapstick hilarity. Meanwhile David Shields' dazzling design is a feast for the senses - far more than just stage set and costumes, Shields seems to conjure an entire fantasy realm. Opulent, luxurious fabrics, striking colorful paintings and more glitter than you can possibly imagine... The stage is a wonder to behold.  

The madcap chaos of the performances conceals the consummate professionalism within. Debra Stephenson, Zak Douglas, Ian Adams, Tam Ryan, Solomon Davey and Georgia Iudica-Davies all amaze in their principal roles, delivering incredible vocals across the board and lively, engaging performances. The Ensemble is a well-oiled machine and delivers Natalie Bennyworth’s high class choreography with effortless athleticism - backflips, cartwheels and high kicks galore.    

Danny Beard’s inimitable Carabose is a masterclass in high camp villainy. Draped in the most elegant gowns, they saunter around the stage, eliciting a deafening ‘BOOOO’ wherever they tread. It’s a truly captivating performance, which will become the blueprint for many a pantomime villain who follows in those enormous stiletto-clad footsteps.  

It’s hard to describe just how much fun the audience was having, but the atmosphere was of gleeful abandon, with adults and children throwing themselves into the participation with erumpent enthusiasm. The feeling in the room must be experienced to be believed - book tickets today for a theatrical experience that will stay with you long after the Christmas decs have been taken down.

Five Stars

Sleeping Beauty was reviewed on Wednesday 3 December by Todd Jennings at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, where it shows until Sunday 4 January