OUTRAGED ticket holders walked out of Catherine Tate and Corrie star Nigel Havers’ star-studded Sleeping Beauty panto.
Panto fans paying up to £220 to see Catherine, Nigel and Julian Clary in the star-studded performance at London’s Palladium Theatre have savaged the show.
Sleeping Beauty, shown at family-friendly times of 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the venue, have since added a disclaimer on the theatre‘s website, warning of “parental discretion” over the panto’s crude jokes.
The show, which sees Catherine play Carabosse, features a star-studded cast including Celebrity Big Brother winner Julian Clary, Corrie’s Nigel Havers and America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin.
It has become the fastest-selling panto ever showcased at the London Palladium.
But punters who had already flocked to see it took to travel site TripAdvisor, where they branded it “insulting”.
One family said they even left the theatre early due to the adult nature of the gags.
Paul G wrote: “Another dreadful Panto this year, or should I say weak variety show.
“Having seen several over the past 10 years, it really does begin to appear that the more £££ they make, the worse it gets.
“It’s embarrassing how much £££ is spent on so little story, talent and innuendo.
“Nothing clever about it anymore, and their attitude of it doesn’t matter because the audience will be drunk and the no plot” gag, is just tedious and rather insulting to the thousands who save up all year, to attend.
“The audience reaction this week was clearly muted, and no standing ovation at the end.
“If I were a creative on the show, especially costume, I’d be furious, as some ensemble costumes (expensive ones) are only seen for seconds.
“The repeated use of same “acts” and actors is also tedious, especially when they don’t have new material.”
His comments were echoed by Nuala G who penned: “I’ll start with the positives – fabulous set, wonderful costumes, spot on ensemble and magnificent special effects.
“Sadly I didn’t realise this was an ‘adult style’ panto. My friend and I felt cheated out of a traditional panto, which we were really looking forward to. Unfortunately it was pretty much a ‘smut fest’.
“Very disappointing. Won’t be going again. Please don’t bring your children to this.”
Lia T added: “I took my daughter to see Sleeping Beauty because it was advertised as suitable for ages 4 and up, but I felt that much of the humour was not appropriate for young children.
“Some of the jokes relied on adult-themed references, which made my daughter uncomfortable, and we decided to leave early.
“If the show intends to include mature humour, it would be helpful for the age guidance to reflect that more accurately so families can make an informed choice.”
And PazA added: “Went to the Palladium to see Sleeping Beauty, having been an avid Palladium Panto-visiter for many years.
“Sadly, this will be the last time.”
But some punters did enjoy the show, and praised the production’s fabulous set and costume deigns.
One wrote: “Panto fun with amazing views. This is a great place the views are good even in the cheap seats the bars are pricey but that’s the weather end the staff helpful”.
Another wrote: “Went to watch sleeping beauty panto, absolutely brilliant. Lovely theatre and staff were great.”
A third wrote on X: “It was fabulous. Great start to the festive season. Amazing cast. Many thanks for a great evening.”
Meanwhile a fourth tweeted: “Was there on Wednesday, incredible show!”
Theatre bosses have now told would-be punters at the panto: “Parental discretion advised due to innuendo.”
The Sun has reached out to Catherine Tate and the London Palladium for comment.
Sleeping Beauty will play at the London Palladium through multiple dates in December and into next year, ending January 11 – with ticket prices ranging from £35 to £220.
It marks the ten-year anniversary of the show, which has now been seen by over one million audience members since it began showing in London.
