Richmond Theatre has a long-standing tradition of enchanting audiences with its annual pantomimes, and “Sleeping Beauty” was no exception. A recent visit to this festive production proved to be another sparkling success, reaffirming its place as a highlight of the holiday season. From the moment the curtain rises, audiences are immersed in a world of dazzling costumes, energetic performances, and feel-good family entertainment, thanks in no small part to the stellar Family Affairs Cast.
Maureen Lipman shone as the wickedly funny Carabosse, captivating the audience with her masterful portrayal of the evil fairy. Adding to the comedic brilliance was Chris Jarvis, a Richmond Theatre pantomime veteran, who not only starred as the court jester but also directed the show. His dual role was executed flawlessly, ensuring a seamless and hilarious production. The charming duo of Dan Partridge as Prince Antonio and Lauren Hood as Princess Beauty brought sweetness and vocal talent to their roles, further enhancing the overall appeal of this family affair cast. However, it was Matt Rixon as Nanny who truly stole the show. His comedic timing and delivery were impeccable, and his flamboyant costumes were an absolute treat, making him a firm favourite amongst the audience.
The pantomime’s universal appeal was evident in the laughter and applause that resonated throughout the theatre, with both children and adults thoroughly entertained. To further capture the family-friendly essence of this production, here’s a perspective from a younger audience member, a nine-year-old who attended the show:
“On Thursday 8th December, my Mummy and I went to Richmond Pantomime to watch Sleeping Beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was very funny and even had jokes about Richmond! Nanny (Matt Rixon) and Chester the Jester (Chris Jarvis) were my favourite characters because they were very funny and such good actors.”
She further elaborated on Matt Rixon’s comedic style, drawing a comparison to the beloved David Walliams, highlighting his broad appeal. One of the most memorable scenes, as she described, was a hilarious rendition of ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ featuring Nanny, Chester, and the Prince, complete with audience participation involving loo rolls and water sprays. Another standout moment was the clever personification of Princess Beauty’s toys, who bravely defended her from Carabosse.
The pantomime also cleverly incorporated contemporary references, such as a humorous Theresa May gag, alongside classic panto elements like audience participation with “Boo!” and “She’s behind you!”. While a minor critique was made about the dragon projection’s realism, the overall experience remained overwhelmingly positive. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the duet of James Arthur’s ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’, a popular family song, performed by the Prince and Princess.
In conclusion, “Sleeping Beauty” at Richmond Theatre delivered yet another fantastic Christmas pantomime experience. With its exceptional family affairs cast, filled with talented performers like Maureen Lipman, Chris Jarvis, and Matt Rixon, coupled with engaging humour and memorable scenes, it’s easy to see why Richmond Theatre’s pantomimes are a cherished annual tradition. Originally running from December 2nd, 2016 to January 8th, 2017, this production undoubtedly left audiences with wonderful festive memories.
