A star-studded West End pantomime has sparked controversy and disappointment among audiences, leading to a formal warning being placed on its website. Catherine Tate and Nigel Havers lead the cast of Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium, but the production's modern, innuendo-heavy take on the classic tale has left some families walking out and criticising the show as an inappropriate 'smut fest'.
Audience Backlash and 'Parental Discretion' Advisory
The production, which also features Julian Clary as King Julian and Paul Zerdin as The Great Zerdini, plays at traditional family times of 2:30pm and 7:30pm. However, a wave of scathing reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor has forced the venue to add a 'parental discretion' advisory due to the 'dicey nature' of the jokes.
Many attendees expressed shock and felt misled, believing the show was suitable for all ages. One reviewer, KFaux, awarded just one star, calling it "an adult show without children in mind. A grim, lazy tirade of innuendos" and stated they were "ashamed" to have brought their young children. Another, Nuala G, warned others: "Please don't bring your children to this... it was pretty much a 'smut fest'. Very disappointing."
Star Performances and Tradition Under Fire
The criticism extended beyond the script's content to the performances themselves. Reviewer Betty31800 described Catherine Tate's role as "very dull", while Sally H suggested that even panto veteran Julian Clary "seemed a shadow of his zany panto self". Several reviewers lamented the departure from traditional pantomime values, with Paul G labelling it a "terrible panto" and a "weak variety show", criticising the reliance on the assumption that "the audience will be drunk".
The backlash has been significant enough for some to reconsider a cherished family tradition. Betty31800 revealed she is debating ending her years-long family panto tradition after this lacklustre experience.
Record Sales Amidst Divided Opinions
Despite the vocal criticism, the production's commercial success tells a different story. Sleeping Beauty has become the fastest-selling panto ever staged at the London Palladium, marking the venue's 10th anniversary of West End pantomimes. Furthermore, not all feedback was negative.
Some audience members praised the show's unique approach. MartinLondon59 wrote: "There are dozens of family-friendly pantos out there – but this is unique and all the better for it." Others, like CliffAndJo, felt the blend of humour and story was "pretty good". The theatre's own synopsis hints at the adult tone, joking: "Whilst one small prick can be deadly, at The London Palladium you're promised the happiest of endings."
Representatives for Catherine Tate, Nigel Havers, and The London Palladium have been approached for comment following the audience complaints and the implementation of the content warning.
