Sleeping Beauty at The Anvil in Basingstoke is an all-round family based Pantomime this season. On offer are plenty of rhyming verses, singing, dancing and some risqué comedy which flew over the younger audience’s heads (luckily).

Fairy Snowfall (Joanna Adeyinka-Burford) and her direct enemy Carabosse (Jenny O’Leary) cast their magic throughout the performance. Anyone familiar with Sleeping Beauty knows what to expect although there are a few twists along the way.

Princess Rose (Elly Jay) and Prince Vince (Tyger Drew-Honey) have to overcome the curse cast by Carabosse to fulfil their destiny. Jay has a strong presence on stage and suits the role of a Princess with grace, confidence and charisma.

Director Christopher Pizzey returns to Pantomime this year in the role of Lester the Jester, a funny prankster who engages with the audience throughout. Lester lives in the castle with his Pantomime Dame Mother, Nanny Nora (Nic Gibney) where they work to take care of the King (David Pendlebury) and the Princess.

Nanny Nora has all the ingredients to create the perfect Dame. A wonderful range of brightly coloured costumes designed by Elizabeth Dennis, and plenty of adult humour that flies straight over the children’s heads. This is just as well with jokes such as ones referring to “grinder” which appear to be quite harmless.

Sleeping Beauty has some of the strongest choreography I have seen this Pantomime season which has been led by Sarah Day. Even the younger dancers were all in sync and gave strong performances. It was clear from the audience participation that Sleeping Beauty was a hit.

For more information about Sleeping Beauty and future productions at The Anvil please check out the link below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Sean Dillow.

https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/

Running from December 12th-January 5th 2025.

Cast

Tyger Drew-Honey-Prince Vincent
Joanna Adeyinka-Burford-Fairy Snowfall (the Good Fairy)
Chris Pizzey-Lester the Jester
Nic Gibney-Nanny Nora
Jenny O’Leary-Carabosse (the Evil Fairy)
Elly Jay-Princess Rose (Sleeping Beauty)
David Pendlebury-The King