Claire Sweeney and Shona McGarty joined a string of stars showing their support for the Sleeping Beauty press night on Monday, after the pantomime was branded a ‘smutfest’ by furious theatre-goers.
The show, which stars Catherine Tate, Julian Clary and Nigel Havers, opened at the London Palladium earlier this month, but some audience members have complained they walked out after forking out up to £220 for tickets.
The production has been widely panned by disappointed theatregoers, with many upset by its crude gags, with the theatre now adding a disclaimer to their website stating: ‘Parental discretion is advised due to innuendo.’
But despite this, stars were out in force as the show held a glitzy press night in the capital, with Claire and Shona posing for snaps outside the theatre.
Claire showed off her famous curves in a festive red velvet jumpsuit with a silver bejewelled neckline.
Fresh from her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, Shona cut a stylish figure in a black mini skirt and a cropped blazer.
Claire Sweeney joined a string of stars showing their support for the Sleeping Beauty press night on Monday, after the pantomime was branded a ‘smutfest’ by furious theatre-goers
The show, which stars Catherine Tate, Julian Claryand Nigel Havers, opened at the London Palladium earlier this month, but some audience members have complained they walked out
Denise Van Outen also got into the Christmas spirit by attending the show, dressed in a plunging red velvet suit.
Sleeping Beauty’s opening on December 11 marked a decade since the famous Palladium first presented a festive pantomime, but this one has sparked walk-outs from some furious fans.
Customers expected a family-friendly affair given the show times of 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
But the production has been panned for having ‘so little story, talent and innuendo’ with many upset by its crude gags.
An update on the theatre’s website now warns parents planning to bring their children along, reading: ‘Parental discretion is advised due to innuendo.’
The lucrative panto, featuring Tate as Carabosse, apparently received ‘no standing ovation’ with some visitors vowing to never go again.
Short-changed fans took to travel site TripAdvisor to voice their criticisms of the performance which marked the tenth anniversary of the theatre’s annual seasonal shows.
One wrote: ‘Julian Clary usually has us in fits of laughter, but even he seemed a shadow of his zany panto self. I sensed that many of the cast realised this years material was falling short.
Fresh from her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, Shona McGarty opted for a revealing black mini skirt and a cropped blazer
Claire showed off her famous curves in a festive red velvet jumpsuit with a silver bejewelled neckline
The Coronation Street posed up a storm on the red carpet outside the famous London Palladium ahead of the press night
Shona, who finished in third place on I’m A Celebrity earlier this month, opted for racy leather heeled boots with her look
The actress opted for the eye-catching outfit as she arrived for the press night
Denise Van Outen was also among the stars in attendance for the press night
The presenter got into the Christmas spirit in a red velvet trouser suit as she arrived to support the show
Denise accessorised her look with a black leather crossbody bag
Joining stars at the after party, the panto’s leading names Catherine, Julian Clary and Nigel Havers posed for snaps together
Catherine is starring as the villain Carabosse in the show, with her signing making it the fastest-selling in London run’s history
Sleeping Beauty’s opening on December 11 marked a decade since the famous Palladium first presented a festive pantomime, but this one has sparked walk-outs from some furious fans
But the production has been panned for having ‘so little story, talent and innuendo’ with many upset by its crude gags
The lucrative panto, featuring Tate as Carabosse, apparently received ‘no standing ovation’ with some visitors vowing to never go again
Short-changed fans took to travel site TripAdvisor to voice their criticisms of the performance which marked the tenth anniversary of the theatre’s annual seasonal shows
Beverley Knight cut a glamorous figure in a plunging black crop top and a leather midi skirt
Following her appearance on The Celebrity Traitors this year, Claire Balding also made an appearance at the press show
The presenter cut a stylish figure in a dark blue coat with a teal trim as she posed with her programme from the show
Kimberley Walsh wrapped up warm during the chilly December evening, opting for a stylish dark red double-breasted coat
‘Reliably hilarious skits felt tired, a lot of gags lacked the genius wit of old, and the customary, easy flow was just missing. With the exception of Catherine Tate’s well received “Nan” sketch, the audience was notably more subdued than I’ve ever witnessed.’
Another added: ‘This year was a big disappointment. Just dull, lack of plot and repeated jokes now wearing thin.
‘Catherine Tate was very dull. I’m not sure I’ll bother next year which is a shame because it’s been a tradition for us for the past 9 years.’
A third theatregoer said: ‘Couldn’t bring myself to clap. An adult show without children in mind. A grim, lazy tirade of innuendos.
‘I was ashamed that I had taken my young children.’
Another wrote: ‘Came out and felt very disappointed as its not cheap to go. There was no story to it at all. And the guy who keeps popping on singing was a nightmare.
‘Catherine Tate was awful.’
And an infuriated fan added: ‘Another dreadful “Panto” this year, or should I say weak variety show. Having seen several over the past 10 years, it really does begin to appear that the more £££ they make, the worse it gets.
‘It’s embarrassing how much £££ is spent on so little story, talent and innuendo. Nothing clever about it anymore, and their attitude of “it doesn’t matter because the audience will be drunk” and “the no plot” gag, is just tedious and rather insulting to the thousands who save up all year, to attend.
‘The audience reaction this week was clearly muted, and no standing ovation at the end.’
The former Girls Aloud star beamed as she posed for snaps ahead of watching the show
Ellie Goldstein was in high spirits as she graced the red carpet following her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing
Gaby Roslin opted for a chic all-black look as she arrived for the press night
Sporting one of his signature jumpers, Gyles Brandreth was also in good spirits for the show
Not everyone was disappointed, with some fans visitors appreciating their costly day out.
One said: ‘Went to watch sleeping beauty panto, absolutely brilliant. Lovely theatre and staff were great.’
And another added: ‘Panto fun with amazing views. This is a great place, the views are good even in the cheap seats, the bars are pricey but that’s the weather and the staff helpful.’
The cheapest tickets for Sleeping Beauty are available for £35 with some costing £220.
The show will play throughout December and end on January 11.
The Daily Mail approached Tate and the London Palladium for comment.
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