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Catherine Tate’s festive pantomime at London’s Palladium has sparked a wave of complaints from disappointed theatre-goers, with some describing the show as little more than a “smutfest.”

Fans, who paid anywhere from £35 to a whopping £220 for tickets, say the production failed to deliver the family-friendly experience they were expecting.

Crude Humor Overshadows Story

Set to entertain audiences at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, the show stars Tate as the villainous Carabosse, alongside Julian Clary and Coronation Street actor Nigel Havers.

Despite its star-studded cast, many viewers found the panto lacking in plot, wit, and talent.

A warning on the theatre’s website now advises parental discretion due to the show’s innuendo.

“Couldn’t bring myself to clap. An adult show without children in mind,” one attendee wrote. “A grim, lazy tirade of innuendos.

I was ashamed that I had taken my young children.”

Fans Take to Social Media to Vent

Disgruntled theatregoers didn’t hold back online.

On TripAdvisor, one reviewer lamented that even Julian Clary seemed “a shadow of his zany panto self.”

Others complained that Catherine Tate’s performance was dull, and that jokes felt recycled and tired.

“Another dreadful ‘panto’ this year,” one fan fumed. “The more money they make, the worse it gets.”

A recurring theme was frustration at the lack of story.

“It’s embarrassing how much money is spent on so little story, talent, and innuendo,” wrote one viewer.

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

Some Fans Still Enjoyed the Show

Not everyone left the theatre disappointed.

Some visitors praised the Palladium itself, noting the excellent views, helpful staff, and general atmosphere of the venue.

“Went to watch Sleeping Beauty panto, absolutely brilliant,” one reviewer wrote.

“Lovely theatre and staff were great.”

Another fan highlighted the fun of the panto experience itself, describing it as “a great place, even in the cheap seats, with a festive atmosphere and friendly staff.”

Ticket Prices and Run Dates

Tickets for the production range from £35 to £220, making it one of the more expensive pantos in London.

Sleeping Beauty continues to run through December, with the final performance set for January 11.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Catherine Tate and the London Palladium for comment on the backlash.

The Debate Continues

This year’s panto has reignited questions about whether high-priced productions should lean so heavily on adult humor.

For families who’ve long considered it a festive tradition, the criticism suggests expectations and reality don’t always match — and some may think twice before booking again next year.