STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – UNTIL SUNDAY 29TH DECEMBER 2024
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
With only 15 days left until Christmas, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the joys of mince pies, mulled wine, and cosy evenings on the sofa. This festive season also ushers in the excitement of pantomimes, making it an excellent opportunity to embrace the chill of December with a visit to one. We’re off to a fantastic start thanks to Storyhouse in Chester.
If you’re searching for a pantomime that captures the essence of festive traditions with great music and an easily comprehensible story line, then “Sleeping Beauty” at the Storyhouse is the perfect choice for you this season. What I appreciate most about the Storyhouse productions is their accessibility for younger audiences and those new to pantomime. This year’s production of “Sleeping Beauty” boasts a vibrant array of slapstick comedy, dazzling costumes, and dynamic choreography, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
As the show began, two fairies appeared on stage. Fauna, portrayed by Tovah Zafrin, and Flora, played by Caitlin Drake, introduced the audience to the upcoming events. Their gestures and costumes, featuring green and pink, subtly referenced the new Wicked movie, creating a playful connection with familiar themes for the audience. A third fairy, Merryweather, played by Pavanveer Sagoo swooped down from above the stage on a flying harness—what a magical moment! Safrin, Drake, and Sagoo were truly fantastic together! Their chemistry on stage was infectious, and they really brought the characters to life.
One of the most hilarious and heartwarming performances was by the two squirrels! Spike, played by Alexander McGonagle, and Susie, played by Hannah Blakeley, totally stole the show. Their lively performance and choreography to “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” truly brought the house down!
Polly Lister brilliantly brought Maleficent to life, and her performance was simply spooktacular! She truly captured the essence of this iconic villain with her captivating stage presence and stunning costume. Her deep voice and those striking, spider-like fingertips made her portrayal unforgettable.
The standout performances of the night, in my opinion, were by Tom Richardson as Duck, Maleficent’s minion, and Will Kirk as the Prince. The audience’s laughter around me seemed to echo this sentiment! Richardson captivated with his fabulous fluttering eyelashes, while Kirk, donning a pink costume complemented by Cressida Cowper’s Bridgerton-inspired sleeves, truly stole the show. Both Richardson’s rendition of “Kiss” and Kirk’s performance of “I Want to Break Free” received the loudest cheers from the crowd!
Grace Venus was a brilliant vocalist as Aurora, and Scott Gutteridge’s performance as Edward really wowed the audience, with his shirt off! Their performance of “Stay” was absolutely beautiful.
A mention must go to designer Laura Ann Price for her amazing set design, especially for the doors (of Durin) leading to Maleficent’s lair!
Just when I thought last night’s show couldn’t get any better, 20 talented dancers wowed the audience with amazing dance routines from the fabulous House of Dance! Such talent!
If the quality of a pantomime is to be rated on how many laugh-out-loud moments are contained in its narrative, then Storyhouse is up there with the best.