More than 50,000 people saw the show, making this year’s Norwich Theatre pantomime become its highest-grossing pantomime ever. 17% visited Norwich Theatre for the first time.
With 17 sell-out performances, Norwich Theatre welcomed audiences from far and wide, with audience members spanning from 30 different countries, including Austria, South Africa, the USA and, of course the UK.
The panto also won glowing praise from audiences and critics alike thanks to a strong cast that included Joe Tracini, Richard Gauntlett, Beverley Callard, Millie O’Connell and Karl Queensborough.
The local links were cemented with a sumptuous set from the Lowestoft-based Scenic Projects, magic creation from local Magic & Illusion Consultant Sean Alexander and puppet maker Matt Reeve, who brought the Canary Munch to life.
It also won strong reviews, with Bounce saying, “Sleeping Beauty, The Fairy’s Tale captivates audiences with its stunning visuals, talented cast, and a sprinkle of modern charm.” Norfolk Local Guide described the show as “the feel-good fun we’re all craving right now”. Louisa Baldwin at the EDP described the story written by Joe Tracini as “refreshing”.
Sleeping Beauty, The Fairy’s Tale was the greenest panto to date. The team has carefully produced the show to make sure that Norwich Theatre is doing everything it can to keep the fun sustainable, both on the stage and behind the scenes.
They thought through every part of the show. For those avid panto-goers, you’ll know it is not a Norwich Theatre panto without tons of sparkles, but this panto used only biodegradable glitter, so they sparkled sustainably. The smoke machines were water-based, replacing previous technology, which used large amounts of CO2. Many of the costumes you saw on stage had been recycled or upcycled from its costume store, and for the junior cast, 80% is second-hand. Any fabric scraps were given to creatives in Norwich, ranging from schools to one couple who is using it to create bunting for their wedding!
As well as a creative success, the theatre raised more than £16,000 in its Christmas Appeal. This year’s Christmas Appeal raised money to help Norwich Theatre bring the joy of creativity to people who may face barriers to exploring it on their own. Fundraising included more than £13,000 donated into buckets at Theatre Royal, Playhouse and Stage Two performances throughout December, a Christmas Appeal Raffle to win five one-of-a-kind crocheted Sleeping Beauty minis created by Crazy Hippo Crochet and £342 thrown into the Good Fairy’s wishing well to make wishes come true in the Theatre Royal foyer.
The support means that Norwich Theatre can offer reduced-price tickets to shows and activities through its My Theatre scheme, reach people who would not otherwise visit the theatre by building partnerships with community organisations through the Encore scheme, and make visiting the theatre as easy and accessible as they can, with their Accessibility scheme. There is still time to donate to the Christmas Appeal online and with bucket collections at She Go Looks Back At 2023 at Norwich Theatre Playhouse.
Meanwhile, the 2024/23 pantomime has been announced as Aladdin Norwich Theatre is offering an Early Bird Offer of 20% discount off all performances for tickets in Band A – C booked before 31 Jan. Terms and conditions apply.
The show promises to be a genie-us production with colourful costumes, singing, dancing and more glitter than you could shake a magic carpet at.
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive & Creative Director, said: ”I am so proud to bring a truly locally created pantomime to our stage and tell stories that reflect the modern times we live in.
“Written by Joe Tracini, and with a hugely talented cast, the show was full of heart and fun and made the perfect festive treat! It has been wonderful to welcome so many people to the theatre, and nearly a fifth of whom came for their first visit, which is a truly special effect of the panto.
“Work is already underway for Aladdin, which opens in only 336 days, see you there!”
