Sleeping Beauty/Malvern Theatres

AS Shakespeare might once have said but didn’t… what’s in a dame?

Well, quite a lot actually. Because here we are, in the thick of the panto season, and if there’s one character that can make or break a show, then it must be that bloke with the big hair tied in a bow and wearing a hooped dress that could easily double up as a circus big top.

Enter Quinn Patrick then, who quite obviously doesn’t give a damn – or perhaps that should read dame – about how ridiculous and over the top he is, because here is the guy whose rollicking and rip-roaring role as Nanny Glucose without doubt defines this fabulous seasonal offering.

That said, Chris Pizzey as Silly Billy is a close contender for the clown crown, displaying all the numerous and varied talents of your standard village idiot and many more besides.

A little bit of magic, a hysterical routine centred around a mirror with the delectable Madam Glucose, and a way with kids who occasionally present him with the unexpected. Who could ask for more?

There are no big deal names in this year’s show and it’s all the better for it. Last year, veteran actor Robert Powell played the baddie, and his performance was so tepid that he was obliged on occasion to remind the audience to boo him. That’s never right.

Unfortunately, Anthony Williams had to stand in at the last moment in the role of Carabosse, as Gillian Wright had been taken ill. He did sterling work, and it was not his fault that because of the short notice he was forced to read from a script for much of the time.

But sadly, this took the edge off his dastardly doings, the beastliness generally being diluted by the handicap of having to concentrate on turning pages.

All the same, some children were sufficiently traumatised, and were led by their parents from the auditorium in tears, so he was obviously doing something right.

Amy Thompson (Sleeping Beauty) and David Barrett (The Prince) were suitably all loved-up, but let’s face it – if you’ve seen one young royal couple you’ve seen the lot.

This is the best Malvern panto we’ve seen for years, with lightning fast repartee, loads of laughs, and some spookily spectacular visual effects.

It runs until Sunday, January 8, and is definitely a must-see.

John Phillpott