By Lyn Funnell 
We went to the Pantomime last night.
Oh no you didn’t!
Oh yes we did!
It was the First Night of Sleeping Beauty. The Pantomime is being performed in the newly-named Jason Sutton Theatre in the Brighton Metropole.
The very popular Drag Queen Jason Sutton sadly passed away after a short illness in April. He had been booked to play Nurse Nelly in Sleeping Beauty. But the part was taken over by the experienced David Hill.
Although I’m a writer, I could never write a Pantomime. It’s very clever, complex and of course, traditional.
Hubby John, daughter Rana and Granddaughter Isabella, aged 10 all enjoyed it, laughing at different jokes, some with hidden meanings according to our ages!
There was a very clever scene as the Prince was singing while Princess Aurora was asleep.
Before he reached the end of his song, tickatape exploded in the air, with a large red piece landing on the Prince’s head, and interrupting his song.
Nurse Nelly dashed on, minus a wig, apologising profusely and saying that wasn’t meant to happen. And the unconscious Princess was shaking with laughter.
Nobody knows if it was an accident or a very clever part of the script.
And if so, I’m not sure that all the cast were in on the joke!
Our opinions of the show?
Isabella loved Nurse Nelly and thought it was a good Pantomime.
Rana loved some of the song choices, but thought it took a while to get going.
Hubby John also thought that it had a fairly slow start, but it got better and better and they all played their part very well. They put their heart and souls into it.
I loved the enthusiastic audience participation. They got involved right from the start.
Sometimes they were as funny as the Cast!
I also thought the beginning took too long. I know they have to introduce the characters, but it needs cutting down on time before getting into the whole show when the curtains open.
Perhaps some of the introductions could blend in with the Show.
The performance was very professional and all the singers had lovely voices.
I think Nurse Nelly had to work the hardest, with 7 changes of costume.
We were surprised at the size of the Hotel Metropole. It’s like a Tardis.
The theatre has 741 seats and the sound system is excellent.
There was even a live band up on the balcony.
Would we recommend you go and see Sleeping Beauty?
Oh yes we would!
All photos by Miles Davies photography
Sleeping Beauty is now open on Brighton Seafront at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, running until December 30.
To book tickets, go to Sleeping Beauty – The Panto of your Dreams | Eventbrite
You can email hello@brightonfamilypanto.com
Or call 01273 021259. The Box Office is open 10am to 6pm weekdays.
