A sparkling new production of Sleeping Beauty is casting a magical spell over audiences at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre, offering a vibrant and hilarious twist on the beloved fairy tale. The festive show, which runs until 4 January, is packed with energetic performances, clever updates, and interactive fun that has been thrilling crowds of all ages.
Star Performances Steal the Show
The pantomime's success is driven by several standout performances. Danny Beard delivers a scene-stealing turn as the villainous fairy Carabosse, commanding the stage in a fabulous costume that makes the character tower at an impressive 8ft tall. Beard's entrance consistently sends the audience into full panto mode, with a performance that includes a show-stopping, jazzy musical number reminiscent of Chicago's Velma Kelly.
Equally impressive is Debra Stephenson as Queen Bertha of Bilstonia, who weaves a series of spot-on celebrity impressions into the narrative. Her repertoire, which includes the likes of Stacey Solomon and Donald Trump, showcases her talent as a top impressionist and keeps the laughter rolling throughout.
A Classic Tale with Modern Twists
The plot faithfully follows the classic story, where the evil Carabosse curses Princess Beauty (played by Georgia Iudica-Davies) before her 21st birthday. The production is bolstered by the return of panto favourites Tam Ryan and Ian Adams as Mickey Fortune and Dame Mary Fortune, respectively. The romantic leads, Princess Beauty and Prince (played by Solomon Davey as the adult Prince), along with talented child actors portraying their younger selves, win over the audience with strong vocal performances and charming chemistry.
A Perfect Festive Family Outing
This rendition of Sleeping Beauty is a masterclass in family entertainment, expertly balancing slapstick humour for children with witty asides for adults. The two-hour runtime is filled with engaging storytelling and inventive twists that ensure there is never a dull moment. For anyone in the West Midlands seeking a guaranteed good laugh and a dose of festive cheer, this production comes highly recommended. Tickets for the remaining performances are available for booking online.
