There’s nothing quite like a Christmas pantomime to kickstart the festive season - and this year’s Sleeping Beauty at the Princess Theatre, Torquay, is pure magic from beginning to end.
Running from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, this production is bursting with energy, humour, spectacular staging, and modern twists that delight audiences of all ages.
Before the show, we took a stroll through the beautiful Bay of Lights, stopping for an early dinner at
Pier Point Bar & Restaurant - children's fish and chips, a hearty warming chicken tagliatelle for me, and glowing excitement in the air. We go to the panto every year, but this one? Without question, the best we’ve seen.
A Stage That Sparkles - Literally
The stage this year truly sparkles, not just in the costumes and backdrops but in the vibrancy of the performances. With dazzling effects, high-energy choreography, and a brilliant mix of classic panto charm and modern references (including an unexpected Back to the Future moment!), the show feels fresh, joyful and cleverly tuned to today’s audiences.
Fun for Kids - and Laugh-Out-Loud Moments for Adults
From my own seven-year-old shouting “6…7!” with the rest of the children, to the surprise K-Pop Demon Hunters sequence that sent the younger audience wild, the production blends nostalgia with current pop culture perfectly.
And yes - the DJ set? Comedic gold and a standout moment of the whole night.
Dame Nellie Night Nurse brings brilliant comedy from start to finish, Chester the Jester is mischievous and lovable, and Wicked Carabosse is deliciously dramatic.
What Local Families Said
The magic of the night wasn’t just my own experience - families across Torbay were glowing with praise:
“We had an amazing time at the opening night… a truly magical evening!”
— Ben Pountney, Head of Business Solutions
“It was the first time we’ve taken our 4 and 5-year-olds to the theatre and they loved it. Aida couldn't believe it when she heard the K-Pop songs and was dancing her heart out. Frank loved shouting out 6…7 and never stopped laughing at Chester! The DJ set and adult humour had Lauren and me laughing too. I can’t recommend it enough - get yourself down there and get in the festive spirit!”
“By far the best panto we have seen… hilarious for adults and kids!”
— Jessica Wiggins, Impact Coaching
“The throwbacks for adults mixed with up-to-date references for kids was fab. The only panto I would actually watch again. Highly recommend!”
“What an absolute hoot… a truly special evening!”
— Daniela Hopkins, Children’s Hospice South West
“Families, volunteers and ambassadors from CHSW enjoyed some truly festive fun. The adults loved the cheeky humour, and my favourite moment was the DJ set — so clever and brilliantly thought through. Huge thanks to the producers and the Princess Theatre for supporting CHSW. A wonderful night of precious family moments.”
Final Thoughts: A Must-See Christmas Treat
This year’s Sleeping Beauty is everything a pantomime should be: joyful, heart-warming, hilariously silly, full of surprises, energetic from start to finish.
Whether you're bringing little ones for the magic, teens for the K-Pop nods, or adults for the humour and nostalgia, this panto delivers on every level.
You snooze, you lose - so wake up and get your tickets before they sell out!