I kicked off the pantomime season with Sleeping Beauty at the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth.

Unlike Princess Aurora I was wide awake throughout the show. It was fast-paced (100 years seemed to go in a flash) and had me laughing, singing along and clapping in my seat.

The New Theatre Royal is a beautiful 160-year-old theatre. The pantomime was magical and had me enchanted throughout.

I laughed at the slapstick comedy from Kevin James as Chester the Jester and Michael Neilson as Dame Nurse Nellie. I loved them jumping on the inflatable bouncy castle in the dream scene, baking badly in the royal kitchen and DJ-ing at Princess Aurora’s 21st Birthday!

My folks chuckled at the Dame’s numerous costume changes and burlesque performance which had Michael Neilson catching his breath. He really was a great Dame!

My favourite character was the evil villain Carabosse played by Carli Norris, best known for her TV appearances in EastEnders and Holby City. She was a fantastic singer and actress and her Hocus Pocus rendition of “I Put A Spell On You” was amazing.

Edward Baker-Duly who played King Clarence did a wicked impression of King Charles and had us in stitches.

Amy Everett who played Sleeping Beauty had such a sweet voice and complemented Prince Valiant played by Ashley Emerson. I loved their duet of “A Million Years” from The Greatest Showman on stage.

References to the current World Cup and the controversial mini budget made us smirk, while the time-travelling antics in Dr Who’s Tardis made us gasp in awe. I especially loved the “Don’t Stop Me Now” and the “Time Warp” scenes.

Fairy Forty Winks played by Ella Rose Thomas impressed us with her trumpet playing and rhyming skills.

With such amazing costumes, set design, pyrotechnics it was a feast for the eyes. I even thought the dragon was real. It’s definitely set the bar high for pantomimes in Hampshire this year!

Sleeping Beauty runs from the 9th December to 31st December with signed and relaxed performances. Tickets range from £10 to £22.50. Book online or call Box Office on 02392 649000.

Visit @newtheatreroyal to see more upcoming events!

Love Bella x

Disclosure: I was gifted tickets in order to review, all thoughts, videos and photos are my own.