SLEEPING BEAUTY at the London Palladium Promises Festive Spectacle

The London Palladium’s pantomime tradition is much more than a yearly fixture—it’s a cultural event. Audiences flock in from far and wide, and entire families make the journey for an unforgettable holiday outing. We’re now ten years on since this cherished custom was revived at the Palladium, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Why the fuss about panto? For the uninitiated, pantomime—colloquially known as “panto”—is a distinctly British theatre tradition that gleefully blends fairy-tale narratives with cheeky comedy, catchy musical numbers, and more audience interaction than you can shake a wand at. It’s the sort of show where you shout “He’s behind you!” to the actors and gleefully watch them pretend not to notice. This playful format is part of our cultural fabric, so when I say SLEEPING BEAUTY is marking a major anniversary in a venue as storied as The London Palladium, you can imagine the excitement swirling around it.

Headliners Worth Shouting About

Headlining any pantomime at The Palladium is a big deal, and this year the spotlight is firmly on Catherine Tate. Yes, the same comedic force who rose to prominence with her uproarious TV sketches—where “Am I bovvered?” became a national catchphrase—and who dazzled us as Donna Noble in Doctor Who. Now, she’s set to channel her comedic genius into the role of the wicked fairy Carabosse.

And that’s not all: Julian Clary is also making a triumphant return, this time as King Julian. Pantomime aficionados will recall that last year he starred in ROBIN HOOD, a production that took in record-breaking daily, weekly, and seasonal grosses, with audience members clamouring for more. Pairing his flamboyant humour with Catherine Tate’s razor-sharp wit promises to be a surefire recipe for comedic chaos. If ever there were two performers who could banter in their sleep and still bring the house down, it’s this duo.

Don’t Sleep Through This One

Let’s talk facts. According to ticketing data from last year, The London Palladium’s pantomimes have consistently sold out weekend performances, especially during the peak festive weeks. The run for SLEEPING BEAUTY is set from 6 December 2025 to 11 January 2026—five weeks over the holiday season—so you can guess that demand will be sky-high. Priority booking opens on 26 March, which means you’ll want to have your diaries at the ready to snag those prime seats.

But what’s the secret sauce that makes a Palladium panto worth every penny? Is it the grand sets or the star-studded casts? Well, it’s both—and more. The upcoming SLEEPING BEAUTY extravaganza boasts a design team that reads like a who’s who of theatrical innovation. Michael Harrison’s production will feature set designs by Mark Walters, while costumes are by Hugh Durrant, Teresa Nalton, and Mike Coltman, all created especially for The London Palladium. This isn’t mere stage dressing; think whimsical forest vistas, majestic royal chambers, and possibly the sort of magical illusions you’ll be raving about weeks later.

Then there’s the choreography by Karen Bruce, promising high-energy ensembles and comedic dance breaks sure to stir the crowd. Special effects by The Twins FX, lighting by Ben Cracknell, and sound designs by Matt Peploe will combine to transport you into a dream world—literally—fit for this classic fairy tale. And the icing on top? The musical numbers. Composition and orchestrations come courtesy of Gary Hind, guaranteeing a suite of catchy tunes that will leave you humming all the way home. I’ve always maintained that a panto worth its salt needs at least one new earworm that children—and let’s face it, adults—can’t stop singing in the car ride home. I expect that’s exactly what we’ll get.

The Hidden Magic of Carabosse’s Character

We’re all familiar with the story of Sleeping Beauty: the young princess cursed to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a magical sleep. But the real power behind that curse belongs to Carabosse. Usually interpreted as a dark, malevolent fairy, Carabosse has the potential to steal the show with her dramatic entrances, devilish spells, and comedic villainy—especially in pantomime form.

Yet there’s a fascinating nuance when Catherine Tate steps into those menacing shoes. Unlike a traditional ‘boo-hiss’ baddie who is villainous from the get-go, Tate’s comedic instincts could bring unexpected depth and flair to Carabosse. Think about the possibility of her delivering biting one-liners or turning a diabolical moment into comedic gold. If you’ve ever watched her slip seamlessly from one eccentric character to another, you’ll appreciate that she can wield sarcasm and vulnerability in a single breath. So don’t be surprised if Carabosse emerges as the character you secretly root for, even though you’re supposed to cheer for the princess and her cohorts. That added layer is precisely what makes pantomime so endearing: a villain you love to hate—and sometimes hate to love.

A Proven Recipe For Success

If you’re still on the fence, let’s look at the numbers from last year’s panto, ROBIN HOOD, starring Jane McDonald and Julian Clary. It set new records for highest daily, weekly, and season-wide box-office takings. Pantomime at The Palladium is undeniably a business success, but that success is also a testament to the entertainment value it provides. Producers don’t gamble lightly on sets, costumes, star casting, and special effects if they don’t believe audiences will turn up in droves. And turn up they do—often in outlandish festive jumpers and glitter-encrusted hats. It’s more than just a show; it’s a communal celebration of the holiday spirit, shared among people who relish laughter, theatrics, and good old-fashioned fun.

Family Atmosphere Meets Showbiz Glamour

One of the most exhilarating aspects of panto at The Palladium is the audience itself. You’ll see grandparents chuckling alongside wide-eyed children, lovers of high camp revelling in the snappy dialogue, and die-hard theatre fans revelling in the historical significance of this revered venue. The moment you step through the doors, you’re hit with that unique hush that only a truly prestigious theatre can evoke—followed swiftly by the comforting clamour of excited chatter, the scent of popcorn, and the glimmer of sequined costumes.

Over the years, this marriage of a family-friendly show with the glitz of West End production values has set The London Palladium panto apart. It’s not “just another pantomime.” It’s an event that harnesses top-tier creative teams and comedic heavyweights to deliver a spectacle that’s as polished as it is hilarious. When those lights dim and the orchestra strikes the first chord, there’s a collective holding of breath, a sense that something truly special is about to unfold.

Surprising Cameos And More

Beyond the big-name headliners, you can also expect a medley of West End and panto favourites to grace the stage. While details are still under wraps (you can read more through official updates), history tells us there will be surprise cameo appearances that keep audiences on their toes. Panto at The Palladium has a habit of showcasing faces that range from beloved stage actors to cheeky variety show veterans, each bringing their own flourish to the performance. One year, I recall spotting a short cameo by a pop idol who turned up to belt out All I Want for Christmas Is You, and another time, a local news presenter appeared to comedic effect. You never quite know who’s going to appear out of a trapdoor or descend from a wire above the stage to join the fun.

Booking Details And Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you’re presumably as keen as I am to see SLEEPING BEAUTY at The London Palladium. Mark your calendars: the show runs from 6 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, and priority booking kicks off on 26 March. Don’t dawdle, because these seats will evaporate like fairy dust.

What you’re getting is more than a rehash of a well-trodden fairy tale. This is a celebration—ten years of pantomime magic brought back to its spiritual home. It’s a testament to the enduring draw of live performance, where every gasp, giggle, and hiss is shared between actor and audience in the moment. And with Catherine Tate and Julian Clary on board, you can anticipate comedic alchemy fit for a Christmas stocking.

So, if you’re the type to light up at the very mention of onstage transformations, wicked fairies, or comedic royalty sashaying across a storied stage, make sure you don’t miss out. The London Palladium will become a realm of enchanting slumber and riotous laughter—an irresistible blend of spectacle and tradition that many of us, young and old, hold dear during the festive season. Trust me on this one: book a ticket, and you’ll be talking about it for years to come.