Theatre | Sleeping Beauty Review - Belgrade Theatre

The BEST PANTO to date. Let me start you there. I cannot tell you how much I laughed to the point I cried at this performance. If you do anything before the end of this year, book tickets to see this show. Let’s get into why this is a MUST SEE show for 2025. 

Every single year the Belgrade Theatre put on the best pantomime going (in my personal opinion). They pull out all the stops keeping it relevant & up to date with what’s been happening throughout the year. From AI to the bake off and even involving K Pop Demon Hunter tunes. There may even have been the biggest mishap of ALL shows during the performance & it completed topped off why it was the best show to date!

Iain Lauchlan has to be the best writer, director & actor going & he is an absolute legend at the Belgrade Theatre. He’s been writing & directing the pantos at the Belgrade for over 30 years & each year he just keeps making it better & better. Alongside Craig Hollingsworth who played Muddles this year in Sleeping Beauty. He’s also been playing the comic of every panto for the 14th year running & there couldn’t be anyone more perfect to continue to keep playing out that role. These two are an absolute joy to see come back to the stage every year. 

Not to mention the absolutely brilliant Andy Hockley who played Grumbleweed this year, (if you watched Dick Whittington last year at the Belgrade, you might remember him for King Rat). This year marks his 20th year at the Belgrade & he is an absolutely fantastic actor who the pantomime now wouldn’t be the same without. 

Aonghas Ewn is certainly one to watch in the theatre world. He played Azurial this year, also Scratch in Dick Whittington last year at the Belgrade. So it was lovely to see them come back for another year. They were BORN for the stage!! I cannot wait to see where they go next - hope to see them in next years panto too. The whole entire cast, designers & team who bring this show to life are absolutely incredible. 

Sleeping Beauty at the Belgrade Theatre is honestly a must see, as is every pantomime here each year. For me I feel like it’s the start of the festive season & what better way to start it filled with extreme laughter, shockingly brilliant moments, extravagantly good costumes - the costume designer each year deserves an award, shoutout to James Maclver!

All I can say is, without saying too much, book your tickets before they completely sell out! As it’s not one to be missed. It’s perfect for all ages from children all the way up to grandparents. The most brilliant night out for family & friends too. The show is on until 3rd January 2026!

Book your tickets for Sleeping Beauty at the Belgrade Theatre here. 

*I was kindly invited as press to review the performance at the Belgrade Theatre. All my opinions are my own, open & honest. Please refer to my disclaimer for more information.*