Sleeping Beauty review – York's pun-packed crowd-pleaser has a double helping of fairy dust

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York Theatre Royal's 'Sleeping Beauty' Delivers a Crowd-Pleasing Panto Experience with a Dose of Fairy Dust

The York Theatre Royal has once again outdone itself in delivering an entertaining, crowd-pleasing panto experience that caters to both children and adults alike. The production features Paul Hendy as writer-producer, helming the fifth year of its current formula, which remains solidly entrenched in familiar territory.

One of the standout elements is the well-balanced script, replete with an array of clever jokes and witty one-liners that never fail to elicit a laugh from even the most discerning audience member. The comedy routine, expertly navigated by Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie, is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his trademark wit and timing. A standout moment comes when he playfully engages with an unsuspecting male spectator in the audience.

Another highlight of the show is the impressive ensemble cast, featuring notable performances from Tommy Carmichael as Jangles and an engaging double act between CBeebies' Jennie Dale and musical theatre performer Jocasta Almgill as the good and bad fairies. These talented performers bring their own unique energy to their respective roles, injecting a welcome dose of freshness into this annual panto staple.

However, it's worth noting that some of the jokes may feel somewhat rehearsed or rely on easy cracks at local references, such as Hull and Nigel Farage, which fail to resonate with some viewers. Additionally, the show's dependence on familiar set pieces and spectacle means that the production never truly breaks new ground.

Despite these minor quibbles, 'Sleeping Beauty' remains a reliably enjoyable panto experience that is sure to please both long-time fans of the York Theatre Royal and newcomers alike. With its winning combination of clever writing, talented performers, and old-fashioned charm, it's no wonder this show has become a staple of the UK's festive entertainment calendar.
 
I just got back from watching 'Sleeping Beauty' at York Theatre Royal and I gotta say, it was SO much fun! 😂 They've really nailed the panto formula - the jokes are laugh-out-loud funny and the cast is amazing! Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie had me in stitches 🤣. The good and bad fairies were so cute together too! 👯‍♀️ But, I mean, some of the jokes did feel a bit like they'd been used before and the local Hull references kinda fell flat for me 🙅‍♂️. Still, it's such a classic show that you can't help but enjoy it. And, let's be real, who doesn't love a good fairy tale panto? ✨ I'm just gonna put on my comfiest PJs and binge-watch it again tomorrow 🎬.
 
🎭 I'm loving how York Theatre Royal is still killing it with their panto season! 🤣 The comedy routine had me dying laughing, especially when Dame Robin Simpson was messing with that guy in the audience 😂. But, gotta say, some of the jokes felt a bit predictable and relied too much on local references that might not land for everyone 🙅‍♂️. Still, it's always great to see those talented performers bringing their A-game, especially Jennie Dale and Jocasta Almgill as the good and bad fairies - they totally brought the house down! 👏 Overall, I'm so glad I got to experience this year's 'Sleeping Beauty' panto - it's definitely a highlight of my holiday season 🎄.
 
So I'm watching this panto review and I gotta say, it's all about the Benjamins – who gets paid more, the cast or the writers? I mean, they're saying the script is solid, but what's the real story behind those clever jokes and witty one-liners? Is it just a bunch of writers throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks, or are there some deeper themes at play?

And let's talk about them performers – Tommy Carmichael as Jangles sounds like a bit of a sweetheart, but is he getting the same pay as Dame Robin Simpson's Nurse Nellie? I mean, who gets paid more for being funny and charming in front of an audience? The theatre owners, maybe? It's like they're just trying to buy their way into our hearts with all that fairy dust...

I also gotta ask, what's up with the jokes about Hull and Nigel Farage? Is it a local thing or is that just some cheap attempt at humor? Either way, I think we need more nuanced discussions around comedy and satire in panto. It's not just about making people laugh, it's about pushing boundaries and challenging our perspectives. That's what makes politics so fascinating – the art of making us think twice! 💡👀
 
I love how York Theatre Royal just nails the panto vibe every year 🎉! It's like they're speaking straight to my inner child (and let's be real, mine still loves a good fairy tale). The cast is just so talented and hilarious - I was laughing out loud at Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie 😂. But what really gets me is how they balance the slapstick humor with some actual heart and wit in the script. It's like they're saying, "Hey kids, be silly and have fun, but also remember to use your brains." My kid was giggling nonstop during the show, and I was happy to see them enjoying themselves so much 🤗. One small thing I'd love to see is a bit more originality in terms of set pieces - it's always the same old magic carpet and fairy tale creatures for me! Still, all in all, 'Sleeping Beauty' is a solid panto experience that never fails to put a smile on my face 🌟.
 
I'm loving how York Theatre Royal always brings the magic of panto to the stage! 🎭 The cast is absolutely top-notch, with Dame Robin Simpson stealing the show as Nurse Nellie - his wit and timing are on point! 😂 But, gotta say, some of the jokes did feel a bit forced or relied too much on local references that might not be funny to everyone. Still, it's great to see CBeebies' Jennie Dale and Jocasta Almgill bring their own energy to the fairies - those two have great chemistry! 🤩 And, of course, you can't go wrong with a classic panto like Sleeping Beauty... it's always a reliable treat! 👍
 
omg, I mean... I just watched "Sleeping Beauty" at the York Theatre Royal and it was so cheesy lol 🤣🎭 but in a good way? like, Paul Hendy is literally the king of writing panto scripts and Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie had me dying over 💀👏. The whole cast was on point and I loved how they played up the silly jokes. though, some of them did feel kinda forced 😂🤦‍♀️ like, come on, Nigel Farage? really? still, it's always a good time at the panto and I'm so here for the fairy dust ✨🎄.
 
I loved how they pulled off making a panto experience that appeals to both kids & adults... but what I found really interesting was how they balanced the script with jokes that are clever enough for grown-ups to get, yet still feel playful & fun for the little ones 🤣🎄. The cast is absolutely fire, especially Dame Robin Simpson - his energy is infectious! 👏 The only thing that kept me from giving it a full 10/10 was how some of the jokes felt a bit... predictable? Like they were relying on local references or old set pieces to make people laugh 🤔. Still, overall I think 'Sleeping Beauty' does a great job of delivering a crowd-pleasing experience that's perfect for the holiday season 💫
 
I just watched 'Sleeping Beauty' at the York Theatre Royal 🎭 and I gotta say, it was a real crowd-pleaser! The script was spot on, with so many funny one-liners that even my mate who's not into pantos was laughing out loud 😂. Paul Hendy did a great job of keeping everything running smoothly.

I loved the ensemble cast too - Tommy Carmichael as Jangles was fantastic and Jennie Dale and Jocasta Almgill's double act was like nothing I've ever seen before! They brought such energy to their roles and made the whole show feel fresh and exciting.

One thing that did strike me, though, was how some of the jokes felt a bit old-school or relied on easy Hull references 🤣. And yeah, it didn't really do anything new or groundbreaking with its set pieces and spectacle.

Overall, though, I think 'Sleeping Beauty' is just what we need for Christmas - a fun, feel-good show that brings people together. Give it 4 out of 5 stars from me! ⭐️
 
omg 😂 i totally agree with u, nurse nellie is like the queen of comedy 🤣😂! but yea, some of the jokes did feel a bit forced or rely on local references that not everyone gets 😐. and yeah, the show's just so well-oiled and familiar, it's like they're just phoning it in 📺😴. still tho, u cant deny the charm of the panto experience and the talented cast 👏🎭!
 
OMG 😂, I was literally dying laughing during that panto performance!!! Dame Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie is literally comedic genius 🤣, like what even is his deal with the audience member? 😂 But yeah, some of the jokes might feel a bit forced or rely on local references, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. TBH, I'm still not a huge fan of panto but this one was actually pretty good! 🎭 The cast was great and it was so much fun to watch with my friends 💖
 
I'm not gonna lie, I was expecting something more innovative from 'Sleeping Beauty' but I guess you can't mess with perfection 😊. The cast is solid as always and Dame Robin Simpson steals the show as usual 💫. However, it's a bit too safe for my liking - some jokes felt like they were trying too hard to be funny 🤣. On the other hand, the kids in the audience are gonna love it and that's what panto's all about, right? 😉
 
omg i just got the cutest pair of fuzzy socks and they're literally making me happy just looking at them 🧦🎀 i was at the market yesterday and i saw this little stall selling handmade goodies and i just had to pick up a few things for my sister she loves that kind of stuff anyway back to panto, yeah it sounds like york theatre royal did a great job with sleeping beauty but have you ever noticed how some shows are just better when they're not trying too hard? like they're just embracing the cliches and having fun with them 🤣
 
idk about all the fuss around pantos... 200 years in the making or just another excuse for some old guys to wear fancy costumes 🤣. seriously tho, yep dame robin simpson is hilarious as nurse nellie, but those jokes relying on local references feel kinda lazy... shouldn't be that easy? also, why do panto scripts always follow the same formula? can't they come up with something new for once? 🙄
 
🎭 I mean, what's up with panto being so formulaic? Don't get me wrong, it's still loads of fun, but can't they just mix it up a bit more? The York Theatre Royal always seems to stick to what works, which is fair enough, but sometimes you'd think they'd try something new for a change. 🤔 Like, why do they keep relying on Nigel Farage jokes? Does everyone just love their old man? 😂 And what's with the set pieces, they're so over-the-top! It feels like they're trying too hard to be festive and spectacular, you know? Maybe they could tone it back a notch and focus on the actual story... 🤷‍♀️
 
omg i just got back from watching this panto at york theatre royal and i'm still grinning from ear to ear 😂🧚‍♀️ its so cheesy but in the best way possible! dame robin simpson as nurse nellie is literally the real MVP 🙌 he had me and my aunt laughing so hard we were crying on the inside

i was a bit skeptical about the jokes at first, especially when they made a crack at nigel farage lol i mean i get it but still not everyone's cup of tea, right? but overall its such a fun show with amazing performers and a great energy 😊 cant wait to see what they come up with next year
 
🎭 I was there last night with my fam and we all had a blast! The panto vibes are back in full swing at York Theatre Royal and it's just as cheesy and wonderful as you'd expect 😊. Dame Robin Simpson is a legend on stage, I've seen him do that same character a few times before and he never fails to bring the laughs 💪. But what really gets me is how they always manage to balance the silly jokes with some genuinely sweet moments – like when the good and bad fairies are singing together 🎶. It's just one of those shows that's impossible not to smile at, even if you're a grump 😊.
 
omg i loved the new york theatre royal's panto experience 🎭😂! paul hendy did an amazing job with the script, it had me laughing out loud 🤣 and dame robin simpson as nurse nellie was pure comedy gold 💪. the cast was fire 🔥, especially the double act between jennie dale and jocasta almgill as the fairies 👯‍♀️. but like u said, some of the jokes felt a bit forced or relied on local references that didn't land 🤷‍♀️. still tho, it's such a classic panto experience and i love how it brings people together 🎉 can't wait to see what they do next year 🎊!
 
I mean, have you guys noticed how some panto productions are just rehashing the same old formula year in and year out? Like, I get it, tradition is great, but can't they mix it up a bit more? 🤔 It's almost like they're saying "we know what works" rather than trying to innovate. And don't even get me started on the jokes that rely on local references - it's just elitist and excludes people from other parts of the country. 🙄 What about making this panto experience more inclusive? Or, you know, actually taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what a panto can be? Just saying.
 
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