Sleeping Beauty is the perfect Panto for all the family to see.  Expect plenty of belly laughs, audience participation, special effects and outrageous costumes!

We’ve seen the Weymouth Pavilion’s Panto the last couple of years so we knew it would be good and yet again it exceeded our expectations.  The very talented Lee Redwood from Made to Measure Productions writes, producers and stars as the fabulous Queen Thelma. 

Every Panto needs a Dame and Queen Thelma’s many costumes and wigs are incredible, although, I must say we weren’t quite prepared for the glitzy skimpy one, even though she (he) pulls it off! 



Gwynfryn West is also back for another year as the hilarious Court Jester Muddles.  I know I’ve said it before in a previous review but he doesn’t even need to say anything and he still makes us laugh.  Every scene he is in will pretty much have you in fits of giggles, especially when him and Queen Thelma put each other off and try not to laugh.



Of course the rest of the cast are also very talented.  The Princess, Fairy and Witch all have excellent singing voices, the Prince and King play their parts very well and the young dancers were very professional.

We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty but you should expect some unusual twists and turns along the way.  And then of course there’s the dramatic special effects and magic tricks which make this Panto a cut above the rest.

Our son Sam is now 5 and has always found it hard to sit still for any length of time but he was transfixed throughout the whole show and laughing his head off, even at the adult jokes which I hope he didn’t understand.  I was in stitches when Queen Thelma tripped over resulting in her huge wig flying off down the stage.  As the giggling cast went to help Sam loudly exclaimed ‘I told you it was a man mummy’!!



Some scenes really stick in my mind and we were crying with laughter when Muddles, the Princess and Prince kept knocking each other off the wall and then there was the 12 Days of Christmas where Queen Thelma, Muddles and the King had to dash around the stage using silly props to get through the song.

I am desperate to say what happens in the finale but I’m not going to as it was an amazing surprise for us and I wouldn’t want to ruin it for anyone reading.  Watching my son scream in joy brought a happy tear to my eye and it’s certainly a magical ending I’ll never forget.

So, if you’re looking for a Panto to see this year then I can thoroughly recommend Sleeping Beauty.  It’s great value for money and I promise you’ll enjoy every minute.

Good to know…………

For little one’s there are booster seats in the theatre.

At the end of our show there were some announcements so if you are celebrating a special occasion then make sure to let them know.

The theatre is very family friendly with toilet and baby change facilities.

There is a café area downstairs plus a restaurant and bar upstairs which is perfect if you have time to relax before or after the show.

On the 18th of December there will be a relaxed performance which is especially adapted to accommodate people on the autism spectrum, as well as those with communication difficulties and learning disabilities.

A special Muck Up Matinee will be held on the 1st of January and this is for people who have attended the show and would like to go back for extra pranks and giggles.

For full details, dates, times and ticket costs please visit the Weymouth Pavilion Website. 

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Please note – Dorsetmums was invited by the Weymouth Pavilion for review purposes however all view are my own.

Afternoon Tea is by far my favourite grown up pastime so I was delighted to receive an invite to the launch of the Festive Afternoon Tea at the Hilton’s Level8skybar.

I’d already seen photos so I was excited anyway and then add to that the fact that I rarely get out without the children I was pretty much bouncing through the door!

Myself and others were welcomed by the management and handed a glass of prosecco which went down a bit too well for a Wednesday but I felt it my duty to experience everything and happily accepted a second glass when offered.



From the minute you walk in the door you feel like you are somewhere special, the décor is very elegant and the views of Bournemouth are just stunning.

Once everyone had the chance to have a little natter we were invited to view the cake stands and take our seats for tasting.  If you are a tea lover then you’ll be pleased with the choice which includes Classic Chai, Persian Earl Grey, Jasmine Pearls and Mao Feng Green Tea.  The loose leaf tea is supplied by The Gilded Teapot which is based in Dorchester. 
 
We were told how a Parisian pastry chef called Cedric had worked tirelessly to create the new menu and put his own little spin on the delicacies on offer. 

First impressions were that this was no normal Afternoon Tea.  I love all things Christmassy and couldn’t wait to see how they had incorporated this into the sweet treats.  Of course it would have been a bit boring to have 4 mince pies so I was delighted with the balance and variety.



Before we sat down I had perused the menu and was a little confused about the ratatouille finger sandwich but surprisingly it turned out to be my favourite filling.  Of course the roast beef and horseradish, smoked salmon and cream cheese and turkey cranberry sandwiches were all very tasty too but I do like to try something original now and again.  



Next was my favourite part and I started with the beautifully decorated and colourful meringue with fresh cream and fruit followed by the chocolate orange dome, apple and raisin tart gourmand and Christmas pudding and redcurrant verrine.

 

All were divine but I think the verrine had to be my favourite.  There was a sweet boozy layer of Christmas pudding in the bottom with a layer of vanilla mascarpone cream topped with a sugarless redcurrant jam.  Every mouthful was like Christmas in a jar!



Of course, you can’t forget the traditional scone and we had the choice of good old plain or cranberry.  Smother them with the clotted cream and ‘From Dorset with Love’ strawberry jam or lemon curd and you’re onto a winner!



Although I am a huge tea drinker I had opted out on this occasion simply down to the fact that I wasn’t driving and the processo tasted too good.  I was assured by others on my table though that it was very good.

So my conclusion on the Level8skybar festive afternoon tea is that it’s the best I’ve ever had!  So much so that I have heavily hinted to my husband to take me back and if I don’t get there before it finishes in January then I’ll be back in the summer to try their non festive version.

Good to know……

Everything on the festive afternoon tea is homemade with ingredients sourced locally.

Prices start from £18 per person but of course if you are celebrating a special occasion you are able to upgrade and include a glass of champagne or prosecco.

Booking in advance is highly recommended.

If you are not a tea drinker then you may opt for coffee or hot chocolate instead, perfect for those cold wintry days.

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Please note – Dorsetmums was invited to review the festive afternoon tea however all words are my own.