Sleeping Beauty @ The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

1:33pm Wednesday 12th December 2007

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I never tire of the juggling comic Steve Royle. The former Camelot court jester, whose popped up on Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy alongside pal, Dave Spikey, is one of the funniest faces around today.

Blackpool may not have got its casino, but when they snared Steve from the Preston panto' scene four years ago, they won an absolute gem who this year illuminated the opening night of Sleeping Beauty as Silly Billy.

Forever egging an audience on, Steve is brilliant at ad lib, picking up on every childish mumour from young onlookers who are never backward at coming forward with their questions and queries.

Like a red rag to a bull Steve is never shy at throwing back a spontaneous quip to keep the giggle gas pumping.

Another notable performance came from TV actor Douglas Mounce who Damed' as Nurse Nelly and won a lot of laughs for tried and tested gags.

A let down was the very staged performance of Ruth Madoc, best known for 80's TV holiday camp series Hi di Hi, who made a flying' visit as the glittery good fairy.

Apart from her delightful maternal Welsh accent and a faulty twisted rope that meant she went off stage with her face bashing the stage curtain, there was sadly nothing really memorable about Ruth's performance. Her portrayal lacked spontaneity and failed to shine or sparkle as much as her lovely salmon-coloured dress and glittery tiara.

For Star Trek, X-Factor or Dr Who-style background special effects panto' technician excelled themselves with several fantastic and very convincing lighting scenes. And for young Dr Who fans an appearance of the Tardis was "Wow", as the youngster next to me gasped.

Sleeping Beauty at the Grand Theatre is on until January 5, 2008.

For bookings click the link below.