It’s been a busy week of pantomime-going at Little Vikings HQ, and we’re delighted to say that York’s lucky enough to have two top-class pantos to choose from again this year. Last night we headed to the press night of Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal and it’s spectacular.

We’ve been YTR panto regulars for more than two decades, so our expectations are always high, but we’re pleased and relieved to say that Sleeping Beauty is another festive hit. It’s a joyful mix of dazzling dance routines, brilliant musical numbers, stunning sets and cracking costumes, all held together by the best pantomime dame in the business, Robin Simpson. His warmth, comic timing and easy rapport with the audience – not to mention those spectacular outfits – had everyone in the palm of his hand. In fact the casting’s perfect throughout, but a special mention must go to CBeebies star Jennie Dale, who makes a wonderful Fairy Moonbeam.

For a dark and gloomy Monday night, the energy that the cast brought to the room was nothing short of miraculous. By the end of the show, everyone was on their feet, dancing like nobody was watching. The energy never dipped, the jokes flew faster than confetti from a cannon and the whole place felt like an end-of-term party. And that’s before we mention the very special surprise at the end of the first half. We won’t spoil it for you, but we’ll just say that you’ll probably never have seen anything like it before (we hadn’t) and you’ll be talking about it on the way home.

York Theatre Royal’s panto is such a big part of Christmas for our family that we always feel a bit of pressure for each new show to deliver, but Sleeping Beauty more than did. It’s a joyful festive night out for all ages and a brilliant way to start the season.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sleeping Beauty runs at York Theatre Royal until Sunday 4th January 2025