CATS’ production of Peter Quatermain’s version of Sleeping Beauty was full of witty topical jokes – not to mention numerous corny, tried-and-tested gags – that drew laughs and groans in equal measures.

Penny Cannon’s delivered a deliciously wicked fairy Caraboss, who’s physical and vocal personality brimmed with malice, with admirable poise during her battle, while young Caladan Barkovic (Witch Boy) showed great stage presence and awareness.

Tom Bascombe and Dominic Bailey were hugely entertaining as the dim brothers, Wally and Willy Tonker, with excellent comic timing, characterisations and rapport with each other, the audience and Dame Graeme Barber.

Bright story-book costumes, scenery and props combined with pyrotechnics and artistic lighting effects (limited by the constraints of the venue and a couple of technical hitches) for an aesthetically pleasing production; however pre-recorded sound effects and music tended to overpower the dialogue and overall it needed a snappier pace to make this pantomime really crackle and pop.

ANN WAGGOTT