Sleeping Beauty at Poole Lighthouse marks my final Pantomime review of 2024. It didn’t disappoint. The standard this year has been very high and audiences have been receptive, especially the younger audiences. Written and directed by Chris Jarvis who is better known for his work with CBeebies.

Princess Rose (Isabella Kibble) is fast approaching her 18th birthday. As many know from the fairytale she has a curse upon her that her fate will be doomed if she pricks her finger. Once asleep it can only be dispelled by a handsome Prince. Being in short supply AI generates Ken (Tom Mann) who was created to do that job. However, there’s a clever twist that I am not willing to divulge.

Tod Carty takes on the regal role of King Tucker the ill-fated Princess Rose’s father. The name means something to fans of a generation who watched the television series Grange Hill back in the 1980s, where he played the cheeky Tucker Jenkins the lovable rouge.

Sarah-Louise Young takes on the role of the bad fairy Carabosse. She performs a brief montage of numbers from her solo show An Evening Without Kate Bush which I previously reviewed earlier this year and I would strongly recommend seeing it if her “inner Kate” returns to the stage.

Nanny Nutkin played by Chris Jarvis has a bright and fun selection of costumes, especially the stunning green Peacock dress. Although King Tucker could not get her name correct despite being reminded every time. All part of the Pantomime fun and there are some creative versions of her name. I find the range of costumes worn by the Dame’s is one of my favourite parts of any Pantomime.

The ensemble performers in this Pantomime have been the highest standard I have seen this year. Corben Heward Mills stood out in every dance routine and is one to watch in the future. Choreographer Daniel Donaldson Todd has brought a high standard to the Lighthouse Theatre.

Let’s not forget the familiar Pantomime favourite song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” where every production uses different articles to represent the gifts. The five toilet rolls always create some audience participation, this one was no exception.

There is something for all the family in Sleeping Beauty and the humourous comments and jokes are pitched at all age groups. Luckily some of the more risqué humour is missed by the younger audience. 

Sleeping Beauty is running until January 5th 2025. You still have plenty of time to catch a performance before it finishes. For more information about the Pantomime and to book tickets please visit the link below.

Four Stars.

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Sleeping Beauty