Sleeping Beauty (with a 21st-century twist) comes to Catford Broadway Theatre this Christmas and ensures everyone leaves with a smile.
What’s the show about?
Who’s in the cast?
Creative team
Written and directed by the acclaimed panto legend Susie McKenna, this production brings her signature magic and sparkle to South East London for the second consecutive year. However, it sadly falls short of the high bar set by last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk.
The sound issues, forgivable in the previous production, felt more pronounced this time—perhaps due to sitting slightly further back. With only two static speakers positioned at the front of the stage, much of the dialogue was difficult to hear, and the band’s music lacked the energy and dynamism needed to lift the performance.
Despite being promoted as having “incredible production values,” the overall presentation felt amateurish. While the giant troll was an impressive highlight, other aspects—such as slow lighting cues and scenery that awkwardly stopped midway while descending from above—left much to be desired.
Final thought
Running significantly over its advertised 120-minute runtime (including the interval), Sleeping Beauty presents a confusingly mixed narrative that, while cleverly incorporating political themes, struggles to define its identity. The Catford Broadway Theatre remains true to its community-focused ethos, with many cast members hailing from the local area. This sense of community extends to the audience, creating a shared atmosphere of enjoyment. Despite its flaws, the show ensures everyone leaves with a smile which is the main thing at this time of year and I am sure we will all be back again next year to revel in the spirit of christmas.
Assisted performances
Tuesday 10 December – 10am (RELAXED PERFORMANCE)
Thursday 12 December – 10am (BSL SIGNED PERFORMANCE)
