Review: Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Windsor (From Ealing Times)

Review: Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Windsor

4:39pm Monday 19th December 2011 in Local Reviews

SLEEPING Beauty is crammed with so many stars that this pantomime can’t fail to sparkle.

The show, at the Theatre Royal Windsor, comes alive with talent and features movie legend Brit Ekland, singers Anita Harris and Tony Christie, and Dancing on Ice’s Chloe Madeley.

But that’s not all (oh not it isn’t) as Heartbeat’s Steven Blakeley, Britain’s Got Talent’s Kevin Cruise, Grease Is the Word’s Bradley Clarkson, and erm, Noddy take centre stage too.

Even The Dragon’s voice is played by panto veteran Christopher Biggins.

Such a talented cast ensures a fast-paced storyline, crammed full of jokes, double entendre and wacky antics. Cruise, as camp Muddles, and Blakeley, as Nurse Norah, bring all the slapstick humour and light relief. However it’s Clarkson who expertly plays the charming and vain Prince - who loves himself more than his princess - who takes the prize.

Ekland brings the Wicked Fairy to life with loud cackles and an evil demeanour, but she’s still obviously glam despite the costume make-up.

Madeley makes an interesting choice as Beauty, who looks the part, but it is often difficult to hear her lines. It feels a little unfair for her to be cast alongside such seasoned and talented actors who effortlessly command the stage.

The highlight comes before the end when Christie, cast as The King, launches into hit ‘Is This the Way to Amarillo’, delighting the crowd.

The venue ensures this panto truly comes to life as the quirky building, which opened more than 100 years ago, gives an old fashioned Christmas experience.

It may not be as slick as other pantomimes at times, but the theatre’s magic and cast’s star appeal really make this production shine.

Sleeping Beauty runs until January 8. To buy tickets see theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk