Review: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre's panto Sleeping Beauty is a fantastic barrel of laughs
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre has delivered another triumphant pantomime with its latest offering, Sleeping Beauty.
With great songs performed by a very talented cast and live band, a constant stream of cheesy jokes and sketches, water pistols (yes, you may get a little bit damp!), audience participation, including sing-alongs, and a magnificent 21 costume changes by the dame, it ticks all the boxes.
Once again, David Phipps-Davis returns as the panto dame in fantastic fashion, CBBC’s Mark Rhodes as hilarious Harry, the court jester, and Samantha Spragg as the panto’s evil entity, Carabosse.
Taking on the central roles of Princess Beauty and Prince Rufus of Rugeley this year, and showing off impressive singing talents alongside acting, were Soleil Quarless and Finlay McKillip.
This is always one of the funniest pantos in the region, never failing to deliver a barrel of laughs throughout, and this year was no different. I’d give this 5 stars.
By Justine Halifax
The panto runs until January 4, 2026. See here for more details.