Panto review: Sleeping Beauty @ Civic Theatre, Oswaldtwistle (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Panto review: Sleeping Beauty @ Civic Theatre, Oswaldtwistle

9:30am Monday 14th December 2009 in Stage By Jennifer Brown

If you're after a pantomime treat this festive season, Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre has a real Beauty ... Sleeping Beauty.

George Critchley produces, directs and writes this laugh-a-minute show, with all the glitz and glamour you would expect to see from a traditional pantomime.

Pint-sized Fairy Liquid (Hannah Hobley from ITV’s Benidorm) guides us eloquently through the story of the beautiful princess (blonde statuesque Claire-Louise Mealor) who succumbs to an evil spell by the Wicked Fairy Queen (Samantha Reps).

Only the handsome Prince Valentine (ex Eastenders Mark Homer) can save her with a kiss – but will he?

Nurse Nanny Nightingale (Neil Clench) provides the belly laughs and an ample wardrobe of crazy costumes, alongside amusing Lord Chamberpot (Adam Borzone).

Gavin Coles plays the hapless Simple Simon who engages the audience with his daft jokes throughout.

The scenery is colourful, and the gasps of the children are audible as giant penguins take to the stage for a dance in the ice plains scene.

Once again PMA Productions has presented a magical pantomime that children and adults will remember for years to come.

* Sleeping Beauty appears at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre until December 19. Box office: 01254 380293.