The St Helens Theatre Royal was the perfect setting for an afternoon of family-friendly fun this half-term, as groups of families gathered to enjoy a spectacular performance of Sleeping Beauty—a pantomime brimming with laughter, music, and festive cheer.
On what turned out to be a crisp and sunny afternoon, the theatre came alive with excitement as children, parents, and grandparents eagerly filled the seats for the popular half-term matinee. The show kicked off with the familiar, sparkling magic of panto, and from the very first scene, it was clear that the talented cast had a special kind of magic up their sleeves.
The production was a visual feast, with vibrant costumes, stunning sets, and larger-than-life characters bringing the beloved fairy tale to life. The lively and playful atmosphere of the panto had the audience fully engaged from the get-go, with plenty of laughter echoing through the theatre. Young children especially were encouraged to get involved, with classic panto call-and-response moments—”He’s behind you!”—prompting shouts and cheers throughout the show.
The show’s standout performances came from the hilarious dame and the bumbling sidekick, who had the audience in stitches with their slapstick antics. Meanwhile, the villainous Carabosse, played with deliciously over-the-top menace, was met with boos and hisses from the crowd, proving once again how much families love the interactive panto experience.
Of course, no panto would be complete without a fairy-tale romance, and Sleeping Beauty delivered just that with Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip. Their magical love story unfolded with beautiful songs, and the romantic moments were met with sighs and applause, even from the youngest theatre-goers.
For many families, the real magic of the afternoon came from the strong sense of togetherness and joy that filled the theatre. As families laughed, clapped, and sang along to the catchy songs, it was clear that the panto had worked its charm in bringing everyone together. There was a contagious sense of joy in the air as children beamed with excitement, while parents and grandparents joined in the fun.
“I’m so glad we made it to the show today,” said one mother. “It was such a great way to spend the afternoon together as a family. The kids loved it, and the adults had a good laugh too. It’s the perfect way to enjoy half-term!”
The afternoon show was a hit not just because of the laughs, but because it offered families a chance to escape the mid-week routine and experience the magic of the theatre in the heart of the community. The laughter echoed long after the final curtain, and as families left the theatre, many were already talking about coming back next year.
With its infectious energy, colourful characters, and plenty of festive cheer, Sleeping Beauty at the St Helens Theatre Royal proved to be an unmissable half-term treat. If you missed this show, don’t worry—there are still plenty of opportunities to catch the panto before it wraps up. So gather the family, grab your tickets, and get ready for another afternoon of magical fun!
