It’s Christmas time and in theatreland that means one thing Pantomime.
Sleeping Beauty is the Pavilion Theatre Rhyl’s offering for 2012 starring Gavin and Stacy’s Melanie Walters and Corrie actress and Scouse legend Margi Clarke.
Brought to life by Martin Dodd for UK Productions, no compromises are made in this telling of the classic tale.
Sumptuous set and costume design, a snappy script, on the money musical numbers and spellbinding special effects combine to have audiences, including the average four-year-old and the odd civic dignitary, up out of their seats and singing along.
Menacing Margi Clarke as the bad fairy steals the show bringing something genuinely new to the traditional panto baddie,
Clarke’s caustic wit is perfectly counteracted by Walters soft and gentle persona.
Light relief comes in the form of Sean Jones as Silly Billy and Stephen David as Nurse Nelly.
Rob Wilshaw is the heroic prince and Sleeping Beauty herself, Princess Rose, is played by the beautiful Jessica Punch.
Marcus Knibbs gives a majestic performance as The King and the production benefits from superb support by way of The North Wales School of Dancing and the Gay Harris Dancers.
A Gangnam style dance sequence, and classic mirror comedy routine had the audience in fits of laughter while set pieces entranced theatregoers during Friday’s opening night.
For a couple of hours why not leave your troubles behind and immerse yourself in high jinx and traditional theatre fun.
Sleeping Beauty is on at The Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, until January 12.
Tickets are available from the Box Office by calling 01745 330000 or visiting www.rhylpavilion.co.uk