At first glance, 1980s band Dead or Alive may not seem to have much in common with Sleeping Beauty.
But the Oxford Playhouse’s twist on the traditional fairy tale story proves otherwise.
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) is used as the backdrop to the scene where Aurora pricks her finger on the infamous spinning wheel.
It’s just one of scores of 1980s references dotted throughout this year’s pantomime – which is full of bucket loads of nostalgia.
Indeed, this is no ordinary retelling of the traditional tale.
Yes, the evil fairy curses the baby, the baby grows into a beautiful teenage princess and the princess pricks her finger on a spindle – transporting her 1,000 years into the future to the year 1985.
This production is full of sequins, glitter, neon and plenty of references to the Smash Hits Yearbook 1985. There’s even nods to retro toys such as Speak and Spell and the Simon memory game.
Walter the Wicked (Robin Hemmings) is a big-haired, eye-patched villain looking like he’s stepped straight out of a 1980s music video. Fortunately, for those with young children, he’s more tragic than terrifying.
Meanwhile Aurora (Sophia Lewis) and Ursula the Unsure (Daisy Ann Fletcher) provide some girl power – following their different dreams of becoming a fashion designer (Aurora) and Queen of Oxland (Ursula).
This fairytale may not entirely follow the traditional plot, but it doesn’t scrimp on all the traditional boos, hisses, double entendres, sweet throwing, water spraying and hilarious audience participation you would expect from a family panto.
And there were extra magical touches – my kids absolutely loved the bubbles, snow and confetti that sprayed down on the audience at various intervals.
Sleeping Beauty runs at The Oxford Playhouse until Sunday January 5th. An astonishing 38,000 people are expected to see it during the six-week run – just make sure you’re one of them.
For more information or to book tickets view https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/sleeping-beauty
