Nothing says Christmas like a trip to the panto and this year's festive offering from Norwich Theatre Royal will keep you wide awake and laughing throughout. 

Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale is based on the traditional story, but in this modern-day adaptation there are no non-consensual kisses and the princess does not need to rely on a prince to save the day. 

In the Land of Best Wishes, the Princess (Millie O'Connell) lives with her mum the Queen - played by Richard Gauntlett, who is back for his 23rd year. 

Norwich Evening News: Millie O'Connell as the Princess in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale Picture: AJ Feather PhotographyMillie O'Connell as the Princess in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale Picture: AJ Feather Photography (Image: AJ Feather Photography)

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The sumptuous sets and outfits are yet again a feast for the eyes, with costume designer Kirsteen Wythe excelling herself with her creations for Gauntlett.

Before long, the Evil Fairy, played with wonderful wickedness by Coronation Street's Beverley Callard, tricks the princess into pricking her finger on a spinning wheel.

Norwich Evening News: Beverley Callard as the Evil Fairy in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography Beverley Callard as the Evil Fairy in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

Only true love can break her eternal sleep, but it turns out this doesn't have to be of the romantic kind. 

Joe Tracini stars as The Good Fairy and he also took the lead writing the show this year, which features his trademark madcap comedy and plenty of gags for adults too.

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Theatre Royal audiences know they are in very safe hands with Tracini and Gauntlett the pillars of the city panto every Christmas.

The pair showed off their comedy chops in the decorating scene, which got very messy. 

Norwich Evening News: Joe Tracini as the Good Fairy in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography Joe Tracini as the Good Fairy in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

The standout star was Karl Queensborough as the Prince, whose credits include Hamilton on the West End.

He held the audience in the palm of his hand from the moment he appeared on the conveyor belt of princes to slaying a gigantic dragon.

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O'Connell played a princess with an edge and the talented ensemble and young performers brought the show to life in a magical fashion.

Norwich Evening News: Karl Queensborough as the prince in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography Karl Queensborough as the prince in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography (Image: Richard Jarmy)

There were lots of catchy songs, such as the Jonas Brothers' Waffle House with the lyrics changed to the Wishing House.

I felt that the second half had a slower pace than the first and the ending was a little anticlimactic - it would have benefited from some more audience interaction to help wake the princess up. 

Overall, this is a must-see Christmas treat with talented performers and a refreshing panto story. 

The show runs until January 7 - book at norwichtheatre.org