Sleeping Beauty – Review – York Theatre Royal
By Kirsty Reid, December 2025
Just like putting up the tree, drinking hot chocolate, and watching The Holiday, going to see a panto in the run-up to Christmas is non-negotiable for me.
As a child, I adored the theatrics; as an adult, I appreciate the escapism. Anything goes when it comes to panto – the plot rarely makes sense, lines go off script, and the outfits are outrageously creative.
Mum and I have been York Theatre Royal panto regulars for the past few years, so we have high expectations, especially after last year’s brilliant performance of Aladdin.
Written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster, Sleeping Beauty loosely follows the same plot as the original fairy tale – cursed princess, heroic prince – you get the gist. A few wonderfully wacky additions, including the appearance of a velociraptor named Kevin, ensure the plot never stalls. As I said, anything goes when it comes to panto.
“Extravagant outfits”
At the heart of the chaos is our loveable dame, Robin Simpson. As the brash, man-hungry widower Nurse Nelly, Simpson commands the stage with razor-sharp quick wit and an endless parade of increasingly extravagant outfits. Credit must be given to the costume department for their creativity.
Simpson is quick to build rapport with the crowd, and it isn’t long before he’s ‘fallen head over heels’ for a lovely gentleman named Moss.
Moss is a great sport and takes it all in his stride, playing along with the banter as the show progresses.
Aoife Kenny (Clueless, West End) is perfectly cast as the titular role. Sweet and charming, Kenny has great on-stage chemistry with Christian Mortimer (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) who plays the heroic Prince Michael of Moravia.
“All the required silliness”
For me, the standout performer of the night is West End star Jocasta Almgill as the wicked fairy Carabosse. Having never played a panto villain before, Almgill nailed it. She laps up the boos from the crowd as she menacingly struts across the stage.
Given her background in musical theatre, it is no surprise that she is vocally excellent. Her powerful duet with CBeebies’ Jennie Dale (Fairy Moonbeam) is a highlight that showcases both their talents.
The supporting cast is equally brilliant. Kris Madden has me on the edge of my seat as the fire-wielding Guardian of the Raptor. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one in awe of Madden’s moves with the flaming hula hoop.
A special mention goes to Tommy Carmichael as Jangles – a brilliant, energetic, Buttons-type character who brings all the required silliness and warmth to the production.
“In stitches”
I’m delighted to report the return of the pun-packed comedy scene, which this year comes in the form of famous musicals. Simpson and Carmichael have the audience in stitches as they run through the rapid-fire puns. The classic ghost bench also makes a welcome return, and has plenty of audience participation.
The whole cast is outstanding. Any hiccups only added to the fun.
Special shout out goes to all those behind the scenes, without whom none of this would be possible.
York Theatre Royal’s panto formula hasn’t changed much over the years. But then it doesn’t need to. The audience knows just what to expect and the show never disappoints. It’s just the ticket for festive fun.
Sleeping Beauty is at York Theatre Royal until 4th January
images: Pamela Raith Photography
Kirsty has spent nearly 20 years grappling words, first in arts and events, then as a sub-editor for national magazines and newspapers. Now working in communications, she crafts messages that cut through the noise. She satisfies her creative appetite by writing about food, theatre and travel, sometimes accompanied by her trusty whippet, Willow.
