Sleeping Beauty – Storyhouse Chester

Back for their 8^th Christmas Season, we have another Storyhouse original production, this time the classic Sleeping Beauty, but as usual, done in their own way. This year, Storyhouse have tried something different and produced their show on the proscenium stage rather than the thrust stage. This gives them more scope to include a bigger set and more stage magic including flying and pyrotechnics. It does feel like it loses a little bit of magic not having the cast as close as usual as in the past, with the audience surrounding the stage and the cast entering through the audience at times but what they have done with this year’s set and storytelling makes up for that.

Written by Samantha O’Rourke who also wrote last year Cinderella, we are taken on a journey of love, self-discovery and being true to yourself. Directed by Ameera Conrad with musical direction from Rob Green and choreography by Paul Isaiah Isles. The choreography for the most part is quite simple but fun and energetic, but the choreography provided by House of dance is excellent and brings a new life to the piece. This year they have decided not to use live musicians in favour of backing tracks and you can definitely feel the difference not having live instruments being played on stage. There is no leeway to play about during the songs which occasionally makes it feel a little strict. This in no way takes away from the incredible vocals and delivery from the amazing cast.

The show opens with the introduction of the fairies, Flora played by Caitlin Drake, Fauna played by Tovah Zafrin and Merryweather played by Pavanveer Sagoo. These three fairies add a lot of character and fun to the story and make the perfect guardians for Aurora. Grace Venus is the perfect Aurora bringing great attitude and beautiful vocals.

Maleficent is the villain of the piece and is played by Polly Lister who is both terrifying yet enchanting in the role delivering powerful vocals, playing with the audience to try and receive as many boos as possible. Maleficent’s sidekick, Duck, is played by the hilarious Tom Richardson. Richardson is so lovable in the role and brings a lot of joy to the audience.

Will Kirk as the Prince absolutely steals the show with fantastic costumes, brilliant comic timing and incredible vocals that adds to the hilarious character that has been created. Scott Gutteridge plays Edward, the local farmer who annoys Aurora at every turn, but could he be her true love? Gutteridge is very agile on stage and has great moves and has the audience swooning at parts.  The cast is completed by Alexander McGonagle as Spike and Hannah Blakeley as Susie, the fantastic Dirty Dancing squirrels who add so much humour to the show.

The set for this show is extremely grand and designed by Laura Ann Price. It looks like a giant jewellery box or oyster shell that has been opened up and the story world takes place inside of it, and lighting by Charlie Dumford adds so much extra excitement and depth to the set and the story. Costuming for this show is stunning, with glitz and glamour galore, and that’s just the Prince.

This version of Sleeping Beauty has been updated and includes modern themes, great music from across the decades including Cher, Natasha Beddingfield, Taylor Swift to Metallica, there is something for everyone.

If you are looking for something a little different this Christmas, then head along to Storyhouse where you will be entertained with fantastic songs, brilliant acting, and a lot of laughs.

Running until 29^th December 2024 with tickets available at www.storyhouse.com

Reviewer Damian Riverol

Reviewed: 10^th December 2024

North West End UK Rating: