A Pantomime for 21st Century London
Opening with flashing lights, swirling dry ice and an enthusiastic live band, the cast keep up their smiling energy throughout the performance, but set in the magical land of Lewishtonia, this is not your traditional Sleeping Beauty, writes Melina Block.
Princess Tahlia the Beautiful, played by Roshani Abbey, is hidden away from the evil witch Carabosse(Lisa Davina Philip) after she is cursed to die on her eighteenth birthday.
In keeping with the original tale, Tahlia’s fairy godmother, Willowsnap – in a strong, charismatic portrayal from Natasha Lewis – alters the spell, so Tahlia can be saved from a 100 year slumber with true love’s kiss.
This is where the pantomime diverts from its source material. In a thoroughly modern twist, it is not Durone Stokes’ Prince Gabriel of Westminsteria who saves the sleeping princess. Instead, Tahlia is saved by her nanny, Dame Nora – the hilarious and cheeky Justin Brett.
Tahlia proves the strength of girl-power when she ends up saving her prince from the clutches of Carabosse, reuniting the land and patching up old rivalries.
Rather than the fairytale of a damsel in distress waiting to be saved, Susie McKenna crafts a Sleeping Beauty for 21st century London, all about overcoming division and refusing to be defined by our differences.
There are a few political comments sprinkled throughout for the adults, with Liz Truss, Jacob Rees Mogg and Kemi Badenoch all getting name-dropped as the butt of the joke.
Dame Nora’s introduction also displays a clear political message, with ‘Save Our NHS’ painted on the nanny’s apron, and her comment that before becoming a magical nanny for the princess, she worked for the NHS – “until they privatised it”.
No moment ever feels too serious or preachy, though, with the quick-witted, fast-paced dialogue keeping the story and laughs racing forwards.
The musical numbers are sure to delight kids and parents alike, with songs inspired by everyone from Charli XCX and The Weeknd to Prince and Hamilton the musical.
The ensemble cast of children are also a highlight, with each child clearly over the moon to be appearing on stage and giving confident, heart-warming performances.
Lisa Davina Philips’ turn as Carabosse is another stand-out; she belts out her solos with ease and gives a scene-stealing, undeniably powerful performance as the pantomime’s villain.
There is the always-classic use of audience interaction, which can be off-putting and fear-inducing for some, but the cast succeed at creating such a lively atmosphere that audience members engage eagerly with the show.
When the curtain eventually closes on Lewishtonia, the audience seems reluctant to leave, with families throughout the theatre singing, dancing and cheering along with the performers – a testament to the vivacity and sense of community that this pantomime produces.
The Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, London, SE6 4RU until 31st December. Tickets: £13.50 – £43.50.
Booking: www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk
