Christmas pantos are usually a safe bet for families looking to enjoy a bit of light-hearted fun together.
Glitter, fairy tales, cheeky jokes that go over kids’ heads — that’s the tradition many people were banking on when they snapped up tickets for Sleeping Beauty at London’s Palladium.
But for a growing number of theatre-goers, what they got instead felt like a shockingly different experience.
A Star-Studded Panto With a Pricey Tag
The festive production features Catherine Tate, Julian Clary, and Coronation Street actor Nigel Havers, and it quickly earned the title of the fastest-selling panto in the Palladium’s history.
With matinee and evening showings at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, many parents assumed it would be suitable for children.
After all, ticket prices ranged from £35 to a hefty £220 — hardly pocket change for a family outing.
Complaints of Crude Jokes and Thin Storytelling
Instead of a classic fairy tale vibe, some audience members say they were confronted with an avalanche of adult humour.
Words like “smutfest,” “lazy,” and “grim” have popped up repeatedly in reviews, with critics claiming the show leaned far too heavily on innuendo while offering very little plot or originality.
So strong was the backlash that the Palladium quietly updated its website with a warning: “Parental discretion is advised due to innuendo.”
For some families, that notice came too late.
Walkouts, Muted Applause, and No Standing Ovation
Several fans reported walking out before the final curtain, while others stayed but said the atmosphere felt flat.
According to multiple accounts, there was no standing ovation — a rarity for a big-budget Palladium panto.
Some attendees even vowed never to return, despite having made it a festive tradition for years.
TripAdvisor Lights Up With Harsh Reviews
Disappointed fans didn’t hold back online.
On TripAdvisor, one visitor noted that even Julian Clary — usually a guaranteed laugh — seemed subdued, adding that the material felt tired and lacked its usual sparkle.
They singled out Catherine Tate’s “Nan” sketch as one of the few moments that landed well, but said the overall audience energy was noticeably low.
Another reviewer described the show as “dull” with a weak plot and recycled jokes, saying Catherine Tate herself felt surprisingly flat.
For a family that had attended the Palladium panto for nine consecutive years, the let-down was enough to make them reconsider returning.
Parents Express Regret and Embarrassment
Some of the strongest reactions came from parents who brought young children.
One theatregoer admitted they “couldn’t bring themselves to clap,” calling it an adult show that completely ignored its younger audience.
Another said they felt ashamed for having taken their kids at all, describing the performance as a relentless string of innuendos.
Others complained about the lack of story altogether, with one reviewer calling a recurring singing character “a nightmare” and bluntly stating that Catherine Tate was “awful.”
Is the Palladium Panto Losing Its Magic?
A particularly frustrated fan argued that the production now feels more like a weak variety show than a true panto.
Having attended several over the past decade, they suggested the quality has dipped as profits have risen, accusing the creators of relying on the idea that audiences will turn up regardless — or be too tipsy to care.
They summed it up by saying it was embarrassing how much money was being charged for so little substance, especially for families who save all year for what’s meant to be a special festive treat.
Not Everyone Walked Away Unhappy
Despite the criticism, the show hasn’t disappointed everyone.
Some visitors praised the theatre itself, the friendly staff, and the overall atmosphere.
A few described the panto as “absolutely brilliant,” noting that sightlines were good even from cheaper seats — though drinks prices didn’t escape criticism.
What Happens Next?
Sleeping Beauty will continue its run at the London Palladium throughout December, closing on January 11.
With tickets still selling and opinions sharply divided, the debate remains wide open: when adult humour starts to dominate, are pricey pantos still worth it for families — or is the magic quietly slipping away?
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