REVIEW: Sleeping Beauty

British Director/Producer Bonnie Lythgoe has once again thrilled Sydney audiences with her 2018 magical pantomime, Sleeping Beauty – A Knight Avenger’s Tale, an exciting quality stylish theatre experience for adults and children alike, at the glorious art deco State Theatre, well worth the high ticket price.

Christopher Wood has excelled in rewriting a modern comedic interactive take on this popular fairy tale, with references Sydney audiences can relate to and appreciate. Audience participation is sustained throughout and is riotous fun with booing the villains and cheering on the goodies encouraged. Think yourself lucky you’re not sitting in the front row when eggs are thrown and water by the bucketful, as the magic fun weaves through this show that is bursting at the seams. Add in some crazy alliteration and tongue twisters and top it off with toilet roll hurling, Sleeping Beauty ticks all the boxes in style.

There is skilful dancing and gymnastics by a troupe of talented youngsters playing members of the royal household, dazzlingly beautiful sets and some super original special effects, thrilling musical numbers that feature a plethora of 80s and 90s classic hits featuring Burn For You by John Farnham, Venus by Bananarama, Cher’s If I Could Turn Back Time, Hey Little Girl, Icehouse and Chains, Tina Arena.

These all-time favourites are belted out by the leading actor of the show, the wonderful star of stage and screen Rhonda Burchmore who plays the evil wicked fairy godmother Carabosse, who at 58, doesn’t look a day older than 30 and wears black stockings showcasing her long toned legs.

British-Armenian musician, comedian and seasoned pantomime actor Kev Orkian plays the lovable hilarious Silly Billy who’s responsible for most of the laughs in the show.

The finale sees a swarm of fairy costumed children flock to the stage front unable to contain themselves as falling snow and glitter rain down and the grown adults in our row give a standing ovation.

Until Jul 22. State Theatre, 49 Market St City. $69-$99+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.ozpanto.com

Reviewed by Mel Somerville.