Claire Sweeney and Shona McGarty lead stars showing their support for Sleeping Beauty press night at the London Palladium after it was revealed audience members have walked out of ‘smutfest’ panto

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Following criticism from audience members who called it inappropriate, the pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ held its press night on Monday, attended by celebrities like Claire Sweeney and Shona McGarty.

The show, featuring Catherine Tate, Julian Clary, and Nigel Havers, premiered at the London Palladium earlier this month. However, some ticket holders—who paid as much as £220—have complained about leaving before the performance ended.

The show has received largely negative reviews, with many audience members offended by its vulgar humor. The theater has now posted a warning on its website advising parents that the performance contains suggestive content.

Okay, so even with everything going on, the premiere was AMAZING! All the stars came out, it was so glamorous! I was losing it seeing Claire and Shona posing for pictures outside the theatre – I grabbed so many photos, I can’t even! It was a total dream.

Claire looked stunning in a vibrant red velvet jumpsuit, featuring a sparkling silver neckline.

Shona looked fashionable in a black mini skirt and a short blazer, shortly after appearing on the show, I’m A Celebrity.

Denise Van Outen celebrated the holidays by attending the show, looking festive in a striking red velvet suit with a low neckline.

The opening of Sleeping Beauty on December 11th celebrated ten years of festive pantomimes at the Palladium, but this year’s production has upset some audience members enough to leave the show.

Customers expected a family-friendly affair given the show times of 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The show has received harsh criticism for its weak plot, uninspired performances, and reliance on crude humor, leaving many viewers disappointed.

The theatre has added a notice to its website, advising parents that the show contains suggestive themes and may not be suitable for all children.

The popular pantomime, starring Tate as the villain Carabosse, didn’t receive a standing ovation, and some audience members said they wouldn’t return.

Disappointed attendees used TripAdvisor to share their complaints about the show, which celebrated the tenth year of the theatre’s yearly holiday performances.

Someone commented that Julian Clary, normally hilarious, didn’t seem quite himself, and that the show’s jokes weren’t landing as well as they usually do. It seemed like other performers felt the same way about the material.

The comedy sketches just didn’t land as well as they usually do, and many of the jokes weren’t as clever or funny as in the past. The show lacked its usual smooth rhythm. The audience seemed much quieter than normal, with Catherine Tate’s ‘Nan’ sketch being a rare exception that got a good reaction.

Someone else commented that this year’s show was a letdown, describing it as boring with a weak storyline and jokes that had become stale.

Catherine Tate’s performance wasn’t very engaging. I probably won’t go next year, which is disappointing because we’ve been attending for nine years.

Another audience member admitted they didn’t applaud, describing the performance as an adults-only show filled with unpleasant and obvious suggestive remarks. They felt it lacked effort and was generally disappointing.

‘I was ashamed that I had taken my young children.’

One person shared their disappointment with the experience, noting it was expensive and lacked a clear storyline. They also found the frequent singing by one of the performers to be disruptive and unpleasant.

‘Catherine Tate was awful.’

One frustrated audience member commented that this year’s pantomime was terrible – more like a poor-quality variety show. They’ve been attending for a decade and feel the production quality has actually declined as the budget has increased.

It’s disappointing to see so much money spent on a show that lacks a compelling story, skilled performers, and witty humor. The reliance on the idea that the audience won’t notice due to being intoxicated, and the constant joke about having no plot, is getting old and frankly disrespectful to those who eagerly save to attend each year.

‘The audience reaction this week was clearly muted, and no standing ovation at the end.’

Not everyone was disappointed, with some fans visitors appreciating their costly day out.

I saw a performance of Sleeping Beauty at a pantomime, and it was fantastic! The theater was lovely, and the staff were wonderful.

Everyone enjoyed the pantomime, and the venue offered fantastic views. Even from less expensive seats, the scenery was good. Drinks were a bit expensive, but that’s typical given the outdoor setting, and the staff were friendly and accommodating.

The cheapest tickets for Sleeping Beauty are available for £35 with some costing £220.

The show will play throughout December and end on January 11.

The Daily Mail approached Tate and the London Palladium for comment.

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2025-12-23 02:52