Sleeping Beauty at New Theatre, Cardiff Review
Emma Kirk as Princess Aurora and Gethin Jones as Prince Gethin in Sleeping Beauty.
Written by Kia S for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Sleeping Beauty is this year’s New Theatre panto, and it’s exactly as sparkly as you’d hope for to get you feeling festive.
I’ve seen plenty of pantos over the years, but it’s probably been a decade since I last stepped into Cardiff pantoland. Walking into the New Theatre again felt nostalgic, and I was genuinely excited to be back and more than ready to lean fully into the Christmas spirit.
From the get-go, the audience participation is nonstop and sets you up nicely for the next hour and 45 minutes. And yes, don’t worry, you will get your “she’s behind you” fix. The time absolutely flew by. It never felt too long, but it also didn’t feel rushed, which is no small achievement for a panto of this length. The pacing was spot on, giving the jokes room to land while keeping the story moving and allowing the actors a little space for ad-lib moments.
This panto ticks every traditional box. There is a topical song rewrite, slapstick humour and plenty of knowing nods for the adults in the room. A highlight was Rosé’s APT turned into A Party, which was genuinely clever and a huge hit with the kids. With K-pop only getting bigger, it felt like a smart move.
Cardiff royalty Gethin Jones returns for his second year as Prince Gethin of Gabalfa and is instantly welcomed by the audience. He clearly enjoyed himself on stage and gave it a good go vocally too. Importantly, he wasn’t tone deaf, which always helps. Returning alongside him is the much-loved Owain Wyn Evans as the Spirit of Pantomime. He brought exactly the right level of charm, and his drum solo at the end of the night was met with huge cheers. It was a brilliant way to wrap things up.
Cardiff’s best-loved dame, Mike Doyle, appears as Nurse Nellie, complete with his famous catchphrase, “How’s it going? Alriiiiiight”. Many people in the audience were shouting it out before some of us had even caught on. He is truly fantastic and it has to be said, a genuinely fabulous singer.
They’re joined by Jack Ryan as Muddles, whose comedy timing is spot on. He is charismatic, endearing and works the audience with ease. Jalisa Phoenix-Roberts is deliciously wicked as Carabosse, booooo, clearly relishing every moment. Welsh musical theatre star Emma Kirk shines as Princess Aurora and her voice really is pure Disney princess.
The ensemble deserves real credit. They are energetic, polished and clearly enjoying themselves, which always lifts a show. All are either at or graduated from Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, and if that is the future of musical theatre, then we are very much in safe hands.
The thing with panto is you usually know what’s coming. The jokes, when to shout, when to groan. Yes, it’s predictable, but that is exactly why it works. It is familiar and comforting, like a hug from your Nan. She might say something a bit rude, but you know she doesn’t mean it. There is humour here for all ages – fart jokes and frying-pan mishaps never really stop being funny, whether you are five or eighty.
Visually, this is a super sparkly production with impressive costumes, fabulous set, and some genuinely fun special effects. The jet-backpack in particular was a huge hit with the audience, and with me.
All in all, this is a joyful, crowd-pleasing panto that knows exactly what it is. It does what it should, does it well and will very likely leave you smiling as you head back out into Cardiff city centre, firmly in the festive spirit.
Sleeping Beauty is at the New Theatre, Cardiff until Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets, priced from £21-£52 are still available. Running time is 1 hour and 45 minutes including an interval.
★ ★ ★ ★
