THIS could have been the Harlow Playhouse pantomime that was practically perfect in every way.

Every Panto we have seen at the Harlow Playhouse has so many qualities but this reviewer went away on Thursday night with a sort of “It’s never too early for a TEN from Shirley” vibe.

This was a show that had the crowd with it from the very beginning.

This was the Gala Night where mayors and chairs from across the region came as well as the chair of Harlow Council, cllr Andrew Johnson’s, chosen charity, Mike’s Den.

So what was it about Sleeping Beauty that made it so special? We just felt that it gave every performer a platform to be on the top of their game.

A lot of that is down to the script written by Daniel Bell and Ben Parsley. And even more so by Daniel’s direction that simply has never been better.

But before we get to the characters, we felt that the ensemble were outstanding, with so many scenes and helped by tremendous choreography from Claire Cassidy.

Colour was also a key theme here. Just watch Wednesday on Netflix and notice their clever use of colour. The same thing was happening here. Again, great work by Thomas Sadler and the team.

This review may look like it is on its head. It is only in the eleventh paragraph that we are now going to review the performers.

But again, where we have in past just mentioned in passing characters like Prince and Princesses, on this occasion, Princess Aurora (Grace Chapman) and Prince Fiyero (Max James Hodge) were able to deliver outstanding performances. They were central to its success. Grace was a dynamic delight whilst Max James almost stole the show with his comedy. Oh and what singers they are!

They, along with every other singer were on top of their game but especially, Max James. Even a small segment of Les Miserables showed what a class singer he is.

They were also ably assisted by Aidan Cutler as Merlin, Lauren Allan as Carabossa and Samuel Sarpong-Broni as Philip. They each carved out their characters early on and the audience loved them or in Carabossa’s case, loathed them!

Which, of course, brings us to The Queen (Jimmy Burton-Iles) and Prince Silly Billy (Ben Parsley) How they manage to do (on a few occasions) three shows in one day is beyond us.

It is their chemistry but their ability to work with the audience and make them all feel special (especially Mark!).

Yes, there are all the favourites but each year they feel different and fresh. From the tongue twister to the use of music (thank you for a bit of Sex Pistols). They were hilarious.

This reviewer always like to sit at the back (like council meetings and football games) and view the crowd. They were royally entertained. From 7 to 87, they laughed, they cheered, they sang along, they booed, they clapped and there were a few moments they clapped in sheer appreciation of this pantomime.

And in one scene, in the second half, they were left open mouthed in wonderment. This reviewer’s six-year-old grandson is probably never going to forget that moment. It truly was worth the price of a admission alone.

Looking at the notes, the names of props come up again and again. The egg, the cradle, the screen, the frying pan, the baby dragon.

This was the most complete Harlow Playhouse this reviewer has ever seen. Yes, these performers are professionally trained and have worked the West End and here they were given the stage, the platform, the character, the script and the songs to really showcase everything they can so in two and a half hours of near perfect, correction, perfect pantomime.

Tickers are selling fast and not under. Be under no illusion, Harlow Playhouse say “This is where the magic happens” This was living, breathing, entertaining, rapturous proof that, that is true.

https://playhouseharlow.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873652342/events/128584380