Sleeping Beauty Wyvern Pantomime – it’s running now and until the 4th January 2026. If you’ve not done so yet – then book your tickets here: https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/pantomime/sleeping-beauty-tickets
So – Sleeping Beauty – we all know the basic plot don’t we? That of a princess who pricks her finger on an enchanted spindle (spinning wheel) and falls asleep for 100 years. At length she’s awakened by the kiss of a handsome prince. #obvs – the patriarchy and all that …
If your interest is piqued enough to know more about the ancient origins (13th C thereabouts) and varying versions of this tale then this Wikipedia page is the place to go.
Antagonist
The antagonist in this story is the Wicked Fairy. In some Disney adaptations she goes under the name of Maleficent – beginning with Disney’s 1959 film of Sleeping Beauty. In other adaptations, including this one, the Wicked Fairy goes under the name of Carabosse. I won’t lie, I think Maleficent is a way more villainous sounding name.
But, be that as it may, Jenny Ryan of The Chase stars in this production as the Wicked Fairy Carabosse. Watching this production last night it became clear to me that I need to start watching quiz shows, as a lot of references whooshed over my head! Well that and not wearing my hearing aids …
What to expect
Well of course, you get all the traditional and much-loved panto elements. The comedy, the slapstick, the costumes, the dancing and water pistols. And, of course, the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Oh – and a rather fabulous dragon. Now I don’t at all remember a dragon featuring in Sleeping Beauty. But then I’ve not seen a production of it for a looooong time so I could well have forgotten.
Leading the comedy is of course that doyenne of pantomime dames, the one and only David Ashley – whose costumes get more and more outrageous as the production progresses. Giving superb support in the comedic stakes is the brilliant Ben Goffe as Muddles the court jester. Oh yes he does!!
Now – I can’t wrap this blog post up without giving special mention to the ensemble – all drawn from local dance schools. I know they work jolly hard and they do a splendid job supporting the production.
I’ll leave you now with the words of 12-year-old Ruby (with a bit of help from mum and dad) with whom I watched the panto last night:
‘Sleeping beauty was a colourful and vibrant pantomime. I really enjoyed the audience interaction and the silly jokes that made me laugh my socks off. Fantastic family fun which was a great start to our Christmas. A five star show which I highly recommend.’
So there you have it folks. High praise indeed from Ruby. And mum and dad.
So get your quota of magic, mayhem and water pistols and book your tickets here: https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/pantomime/sleeping-beauty-tickets
See also:
