REVIEW: SLEEPING BEAUTY @ THE LONDON PALLADIUM

🎭 Sleeping Beauty

📍 The London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

🗓 Sunday 4th January 2026

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THE MOTHER OF ALL SMUTFESTS!

If you're looking for a quaint, traditional panto with a coherent plot and family-friendly values, let me stop you right now! SLEEPING BEAUTY - The London Palladium's 10th Anniversary Pantomime production - is a gloriously unhinged, neon-soaked riot of camp chaos that prioritises filth, fabulousness, and Catherine Tate's iconic characters over anything resembling a "storyline".

Julian Clary is, as ever, the undisputed Queen of the Palladium. Returning for his tenth yesr as King Julian, his costumes are more "Camp Explosion" than royal attire, and his delivery of double entendres is so sharp it could cut through a corset. I adored his audience interactions, especially the way he handed out sweets to the children, and his effortless chemistry with panto veteran Nigel Havers (the ever-abused Keeper of the Privy) is undeniably the beating heart of this variety show in disguise.

Making her sensational debut, Catherine Tate as Carabosse is a stroke of casting genius. She is delightfully wicked, but the real treat came when she delved into her back catalogue of characters. Seeing her foul-mouthed Nan belt out Queen's Don't Stop Me Now with a troupe of somersaulting geriatric dancers is easily the highlight of the season. I am a huge fan of Tate and her comical creations and whether she's being "bovvered" or channeling Derek ("How very dare you?"), she commands the stage with a dry wit that perfectly complements Clary's flamboyant smut.

The rest of the gang are on top form too. Rob Madge shines like a Swarovski-encrusted diamond as the Diva of Dreams, grounding the madness with lots of heart in their signature style. Paul Zerdin and Sam the puppet deliver a masterclass in controlled chaos, even if some of the gags are "re-gifted" from previous years. Jon Culshaw slots in perfectly as a Private Detective, landing biting impressions of Keir Starmer and Donald Trump that had me - and the entire audience - howling with laughter.

Emily Lane and Amonik Melaco bring sanity to proceedings as Princess Aurora and Prince Peter, exuding joy across the auditorium. Both had great stage presence and singing voices, but I was especially impressed with Melaco's depth and glorious golden tones.

The incredible ensemble were dazzling from start to finish. Their performance of Splish Splash was sensational, proving just how hard-working and talented this team really are.

This was certainly a glittering visual feast. The lighting design from Ben Cracknell was bright and uplifting whilst Mark Walters' set design was a sparkling fairytale playground. The giant thorny vines filling the auditorium at the end of Act 1 was a genuine coup de théàtre.

Is it perfect? Oh, no it isn't. The pacing wobbles more than a jelly on a rollercoaster, and the actual 'Sleeping Beauty' part of the show is practically a cameo. It's also definitely not for the easily offended - you have been warned! Parents have reportedly been walking out over the "smutfest" humour. But if you want a no-holds-barred celebration of British variety at its most irreverent, you won't find a better night out in the West End.

There's still time to grab a last-minute ticket, if you're brave enough! SLEEPING BEAUTY continues performances at The London Palladium until Sunday 11th January.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.

CAST LIST:

Catherine Tate as Carabosse; Julian Clary as King Julian; Paul Zerdin as The Great Zerdini; Jon Culshaw as King Julian's Private Detective; Nigel Havers as Keeper of the Privy; Rob Madge as The Diva of Dreams; Emily Lane as Princess Aurora; Amonik Melaco as Prince Peter; Dave Knox as Master of the Royal Flame

Ensemble: Charlie Goddard; Claudia Lilly; Courtenay Brady; Danny Coburn; Demmileigh Foster; Dianté Lodge; Ediz Ibrahim; Emma Hunter; Frankie Wright; Grant Thresh; Katie Dunsden; Keely Chamberlain; Louis Mackrodt; Lowri Hamilton; Ruby Hood; Tonto Appiah

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Innuendo and adult jokes

AGE RECOMMENDATION:

Parental discretion is advised

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