This year’s Sleeping Beauty pantomime at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury, starring the hilariously talented Brad Fitt, is an absolute triumph. From start to finish, it delivers on all the classic pantomime magic—big laughs, catchy songs, and plenty of interactive moments that keep the audience engaged.

For the thirteenth year running Paul Hendy and Emily Wood of Evolution bring the magic back to Shrewsbury and couldn’t be more welcomed to our town!

Brad Fitt, playing the role of the cheeky, campy, and utterly charming Nurse Nellie, is without a doubt the star of the show. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his wit is razor-sharp, drawing the crowd into every scene. Whether he's finding love amongst the crowd, cracking jokes, teasing the audience, or getting caught up in the zany antics of the plot, Fitt’s performance is a delightful rollercoaster that elevates the entire production.

Playful twists on a classic

The story of Sleeping Beauty is, of course, a well-known fairytale, but this pantomime version brings its own playful twists. With Princess Aurora (played by a radiant Lauren Lane) cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse (the fantastic, villainous performance by Gemma Sutton), the usual drama unfolds—except with plenty of slapstick comedy, audience participation, and pun-filled humour along the way.

Brad Fitt’s scenes with Tommy J Rollason, returning to Theatre Severn this year as Jangles, are a constant source of laughter, as they share great chemistry and deliver some of the best gags of the night. The great wheelbarrow of puns, still a firm fixture and laugh-out-loud funny!

The musical numbers, led by the energetic cast, are a highlight of the show.

A fairy with attitude

A wonderfully spunky Fairy Moonbeam played by Dionne Ward-Anderson and brilliant singing from Gemma Sutton with wonderful song choices helped give the whole show somewhat of a ‘West-End musical’ feel with a perfect blend of old favourites and contemporary hits, all reworked into cheeky, high-energy versions that get the whole theatre singing along.

There are some genuinely standout moments, including a gorgeously handsome Prince Michael, played by Christian Southway, a well-trained pair of velociraptors an ageing soldier (keep an eye out for Stan!) and Carabosse’s evil monologues.

An audience favourite was the lyric game, a fun-filled mash-up of chart hits that really got the audience laughing out loud!

Visually, the production is stunning. The costumes are beautifully designed, particularly Nurse Nellie’s flamboyant wardrobe, perhaps slightly more reserved than in previous years. The set designs are vibrant and colourful, with whimsical backdrops that transform the stage into a magical kingdom. The special effects are also impressive, particularly during the iconic "sleeping" scene, where Aurora is cursed into a deep slumber.

Something for all ages

What really sets this pantomime apart, though, is its ability to appeal to all ages. There’s something for everyone: the young kids are treated to physical comedy, magical moments, and audience participation, while adults get their fill of puns, references to pop culture, and cheeky jokes about the local area. The whole family will find something to enjoy, making it the perfect festive outing.

The combination of Brad Fitt’s comedic brilliance, great songs, wonderful dancing from both the adult villagers and the young ensemble and hilarious antics overall ensures that Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Severn is an unforgettable pantomime experience.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled, heartwarming show this holiday season, Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Severn is an absolute must-see. It’s got everything you could want from a pantomime: laughter, sparkle, magic, and a whole lot of heart.

A select few tickets for this year's run are still on sale and tickets for 2025's pantomime Dick Whittington are also on sale now! Visit www.theatresevern.co.uk