If you’re feeling a little groggy this winter, York Theatre Royal’s annual dose of pantomime fun is the perfect wake-up call.
Their production of Sleeping Beauty is a dream you’ll be happy to stay lost in.
One of the biggest surprises, and no I’m not just talking about the lavish ghost scene, was the unusually clear storyline. Yes, you read that right: a plot in a panto! Aurora’s curse, Carabosse’s wicked intentions and a hero prince, all of which unfold with blissful clarity.
Director Juliet Forster brings Paul Hendy’s script to life with imagination and pace, and of course with a sprinkling of York-related humour to keep the locals chuckling throughout.
Sleeping Beauty is at York Theatre Royal from Tuesday 2 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
At the heart of this mayhem is the glorious return of Robin Simpson as our dame, an annual gift the theatre gods continue to bestow upon York. With razor-sharp wit and a never-wavering mischievous glint in his eye, Simpson commands the stage marvellously, long may his reign continue.
And with his partner-in-crime, Tommy Carmichael as jester Jangles, it’s the perfect partnership. Their corpsing (whether accidental or otherwise), landed beautifully, as did their many gags, drifting across generations and ensuring the whole auditorium’s funny bone was thoroughly prodded.
The duo became a trio when an unsuspecting audience member, Moss, found himself swept into the action (lets not even start on the button); Moss deserves his own five-star rating. Moments such as these showcased the cast’s ability to read the room with precision, the kind of skill a successful pantomime thrives upon.
In the title role, Aoife Kenny brings sweetness and sincerity to Aurora, delivering delicate vocals that were effortlessly carried. Paired with her dashing Prince Michael (Christian Mortimer), the two created some charming duets without allowing any lull in the non-stop action.
Opposing them is Jocasta Almgill as our Carabosse, a villainess so vocally commanding that the audience couldn’t help but cheer for her final bow, a rarity but one that occurred due to Almgill’s powerhouse performance. And joined by Kris Madden, the fire-wielding Guardian of the Raptor, she closes act one with a flaming spectacle, leaving the younger generations wide-eyed and spellbound.
Balancing the darker magic is our bright and sprightly Fairy Moonbeam, CBeebies and CBBC favourite Jennie Dale. She radiated positivity from the moment she arrived, watching over Aurora and delivering every line as though the world depends on it, a necessity for a pantomime storyteller.
The wonderful ensemble deserves an applause of their own for their multirolling madness and infectious energy; Hayley Del Harrison’s choreography is excellently delivered throughout.
These musical choices really hit that panto sweet spot; a healthy mix of classics from The Who and Madness, plus newer tracks like Hot to Go, and even a nod to the kids’ latest obsession, KPop Demon Hunters. The three-piece band led by musical director and percussionist Edwin Gray, Alex Faulkner (keys) and Fergus Vickers (guitar), brought each number to vivid life.
Visually, the set and costume are well designed, yet delightfully simplistic, keeping the focus on the performers, whilst delivering just enough spectacle to be enchanting. Special credit must go to the backstage and technical teams – scene transitions were fast and fluid throughout, with sharp lighting and excellent sound quality, there was not a single hitch (unless planned), a rarity in a genre that thrives on chaos.
All in all, Sleeping Beauty offers a cosy, sparkling escape from the winter chill and the final standing ovation and warm reception was richly deserved.
If you fancy exploring the Black Forest Château and want to leave with festive joy that could last 100 years, head to York Theatre Royal this winter.
Sleeping Beauty runs until Sunday 4 January 2026, grab your tickets from £15 here.
