Sleeping Beauty
Last night I had the pleasure of watching Sleeping Beauty at the Oxford Playhouse. This is a great panto for young and old…but especially for those of us who grew up in the 1980’s…there are some absolutely classic songs from that era, as well as some more modern ones for the youngsters! 80’s nostalgia runs straight from the start – or actually from the pre-show, where we are treated to an 80’s disco, complete with ra-ra skirts and a Rubik's cube inspired DJ deck.
We are then transported back to 'Oxland' in 985, to Princess Aurora’s castle, on the eve of her 18th birthday. Here is when the clever ‘back to the future’, time travel story unfolds. We’re in fairy-tale land, but there are odd flashes of 1980’s references, including Aurora’s fashion designs and her Smash Hits yearbook 1985, which was gifted to her as a baby by one of the fairies.
And of course there are the songs. Hit after hit. Too many to list but my favourites were Sisters are Doin’ it For Themselves, The Power of Love (Huey Lewis version – 80’s aficionados will know there were several versions in one year!), Don’t Leave Me This Way and You Spin Me Round…..
We also had a fabulous (& Juliet inspired) version of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream from baddie Walter the Wicked and Dame Nelly the Nurse!, not to mention Chappell Roan’s HOT to Go, and Sophie Ellis Bextor's Murder on the Dance Floor.
I’d also like to give special mention to the 3 strong band – especially Lucy Gowen on the Guitars. And also to mention, that this is the first time in many years the Playhouse have used their pit – something mentioned at the summer’s backstage tour.
This was a very clever, very effective script. Simple enough for even the youngest to follow; funny; faithful enough to the original fairy-tale, yet given a refreshing new angle. Well done to writer and director Toby Hulse.
I was lucky enough to do a backstage tour at the Playhouse earlier this year, and remember the backstage crew were so proud and excited about the plans for this panto, which were then in full swing. Rightly so, it turns out! This was the Playhouse’s first time in very many years that they have designed and built fully in house their set and props, and they have done a great job. So well done to set designer Bronia Houseman, and to the entirety of the technical and backstage team!
The lighting is also really effective. Again, right from the start, with the collection of hanging glitter balls, the effects from the lighting, combined with the snow, and other effects into the audience, ensure that we are fully involved.
The design of this show was just excellent. As well as the Rubik's cube and Smash Hits references, we also had Simon electronic games making up parts of the time machine, references to Radio Rentals and Woolworths, with ‘Choose Panto’ t-shirts and deely-boppers. And of course there were the fashions. We even had a fabulous Boy George and Freddie Mercury complete in his Yellow and Gold Brocade Live-Aid jacket! It was a delicious trip down memory lane….
As for the performances, everyone was brilliant. From the perky Princess Aurora played by Sophia Lewis, to Lucy Frederick’s Nelly the Nurse – with a brilliant Oxfordshire accent! To returning favourites Robin Hemmings as Walter the Wicked (“the clue’s in the name”!) and Max Guest’s Billy the Silly. I also loved Daisy Ann Fletcher as Ursula the Unsure. Her duets with Aurora were really lovely. We also loved fairy Mark-O, played brilliantly by Elliott Wooster.
No panto is complete without its ensemble, and the Playhouse ensemble is a really tight, talented bunch…and that includes the team of 6 kids – we had Team Wham – who sang and danced and acted their hearts out.
A wonderful show with a nostalgic musical trip back to the 80’s. Anyone thinking of going, you won’t be disappointed.
This show was reviewed on the 28th November 2024 at Oxford Playhouse where it runs until the 5th January 2025. Tickets available here: Sleeping Beauty | Oxford Playhouse
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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