Sleeping Beauty is written by Iain Lauchlan, who also directs and takes on the role of Nanny Fanny McWheeze, and his 50 years of experience in the business show in script, direction and performance! The show features all the mayhem and chaos you expect from Panto, the set pieces, the songs and the audience, made up of all generations, who loved it.

Alongside a young and talented ensemble cast, many of the actors are regulars in Coventry panto. Iain Lauchlan’s run at the Belgrade spans more than 30 years, Craig Hollingsworth, this year as Muddles the Jester who seemed to breeze through the role, a real natural at engaging the audience, is back for his 14th year and we all joined the cast in applauding Andy Hockley, the fantastic elf, sorry, bad Gnome Grumbleweed who celebrates his 20th year at the Belgrade.

Wendi Harriott’s baddie Carabosse is fantastic; constantly planning and implementing her dastardly plans she clearly thrives on the boos and goes all out to do her worst. The programme tells me she is the 2024 UK Pantomime Award winner for Best Villian and you can see why. She can also sing, a real talent on stage.

The sets are created by the team at the Belgrade, so the production is very much made in Coventry. And there is one moment involving the set that we won’t mention, which had people laughing in disbelief. We still can’t decide if it was an accident or planned, but either way it was a great moment and one that I am sure the younger members of the audience will long remember! 

Anyone, young or old, making the trip to Coventry for the Belgrade Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty is guaranteed to come away with a massive smile on their face. This is truly a panto not to be missed.