Sleeping Beauty is one of the most beloved and enduring tales in the pantomime world, captivating audiences with its mix of magic, adventure, and romance. The original fairy tale, La Belle au bois dormant, was first published by Charles Perrault in 1697, but it was adapted into a pantomime long after, becoming a staple of the festive season.

In its early pantomime adaptations, Sleeping Beauty featured the familiar elements from Perrault’s story: the beautiful princess, the wicked fairy, and the good fairy who places a spell on the princess, ensuring that she sleeps for 100 years. But it was the addition of typical pantomime ingredients—comedy, audience participation, and the transformation of the fairy tale’s narrative—that gave Sleeping Beauty its distinctively festive and entertaining flair.

The role of the princess is traditionally portrayed by the lead performer, with the villainous Carabosse often taking on a more comical, exaggerated role with an evil twist. This long standing pantomime tradition creates a playful contrast to the fairytale’s more serious themes, with the “pantomime dame” providing much of the comic relief. The principal character, typically portrayed as Prince Charming, is the one who ultimately wakes the princess with a kiss, restoring peace and happiness to the kingdom.

Magical transformations, and vibrant costumes are key aspects of Sleeping Beauty pantomimes, enhancing the fantastical elements of the story. Fabulous sets, dance numbers, and modern music provide additional excitement, while slapstick comedy and audience interaction make it a fun experience for all ages.

The pantomime adaptation of Snow White follows the basic structure of the original story but adds the key elements of comedy, audience participation, and spectacle that are essential to the pantomime tradition. Traditionally, the evil stepmother is portrayed as the villainous Queen, often in a show-stopping role that allows for plenty of over-the-top, comedic performances. The Queen’s evil magic and the transformation into an old hag are key moments in the show, often accompanied by dramatic effects such as makeup transformations, costume changes, and visual tricks.

A key feature of Snow White pantomimes is the role of the dame, who provides much of the humour through slapstick comedy, witty dialogue, and audience interaction. Alongside the dame, the comic character enhances the comedy, creating funny situations and keeping the audience engaged.

The dwarves,who are typically portrayed as comedic characters, are now often brought to life through the use of puppets, adding a modern twist to the production. These puppets, often operated by skilled puppeteers, bring an additional layer of magic and humour to the performance, with each dwarf having its own unique personality.

In addition to these traditional elements, the production often features colourful sets, magical effects, and catchy music. Snow White’s resurrection, often brought about by a magical kiss, is one of the most iconic moments in pantomime history, leaving audiences delighted and eagerly anticipating the happy ending.