Eden Court’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty has been declared a triumph by audiences and critics alike, with some hailing it Eden Court and Imagine Theatre’s best panto ever.
As the show-stopping Christmas show continues its month-long run, the buzz at Eden Court is palpable – both on and off stage.
During the weekday matinees, thousands of local schoolchildren arrive – on foot and by the busload.
They come from far and wide across the length and breadth of the Highlands for their seasonal pilgrimage.
These incredible (and very vocal) audiences bring as much joy to the cast as the cast bring to them.
At the weekends, a diverse audience of friends and families descend on the Highland venue, full of festive cheer and ready to be transported by the unique spectacle.
As the cast and crew prepare to dive headlong into the holiday period, seasoned dame Steven Wren, who returns to direct the popular panto, said:
“One of the things I’m enjoying about this show particularly is how modern it is.
“There are some interesting changes to the original storyline that just modernise it a bit and we’ve put a strong woman front and centre.
“But audiences can be guaranteed that it still has all the traditional things that make a panto and that memories are made of.”
It’s not just the younger members of the audience who have been having all the fun – the feedback has been rolling in across Eden Court’s social media pages, full of praise for the cast and the team at the Highland venue.
“My sides are still sore from laughing”
Ross Hill
“A must for our family every year! Absolutely brilliant, great laugh guaranteed”
Karolina Slotwinska
“One of the best nights ever. It is hilarious!”
Elizabeth Dallas
Reviews from local and national press have also been hugely positive, with reviewers awarding 4 and 5 stars, declaring:
“Tia Bobbi Henry in the Princess Beauty title role more than holds her own in a stereotype challenging part that helps bring the genre into the 21st century”
Hector MacKenzie – The Inverness Courier
“One of the best I have ever seen… bursting with energy, light and laughter”
Lauren Robertson – Press and Journal
“The experienced (Ross) Allan hits the sweet spot between endearingly naive buffoon and sly charmer, and his gags win belly laughs”
David Pollock – The Stage
Digital media reviews included broadcaster Nicky Marr, who said:
“… might be the best they’ve done in the last decade. Pacey, funny, excellent storytelling. Dame and jester were ON FIRE.”
Rebecca Holt, Chief Executive, Eden Court, said:
“Eden Court’s panto always receives an incredible reaction from audiences but this year it has been truly outstanding, with many people saying Sleeping Beauty is the best panto in years.
“It brings such happiness to the cast, crew and staff at Eden Court to host 35,000 people each year who come together to have fun and make memories.
“For many, this year’s visit to the panto will be their first time at the theatre and we’re proud of the role we can play in opening up the joy of live performance to new audiences.”
Sleeping Beauty is on now at Eden Court and runs until Sun 7 Jan 2024.
Tickets can be booked at www.eden-court.co.uk
Eden Court and Imagine Theatre are delighted to confirm that next year’s pantomime will be Jack and the Beanstalk, which will run from Wed 4 Dec 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025.
Tickets are on sale now and can be booked at www.eden-court.co.uk
