PAIGNTON Pantomime Productuins (PPP) pulled out all the stops to put on a perfect panto at the Palace Theatre, Paignton, this year, writes Dawn Ellis.

Sleeping Beauty oozes fun, colour and flair and had all the elements needed for a top family producyion. It was a joy to watch.

It is no mean feat to keep kids and big kids entertained throughout, but the audience were captivated throughout. This might well have something to do with the fairytale story of good versus evil.

Set in at castle, baby Princess Rose is cursed by bad Witch Hazel who casts a spell on her that if she pricks her finger before her 18th birthday she will die.

Her family, including King cactus and Queen Marigold, nanny dottie Dettol and friends Muddles, Fetch and carrie do all they can to protect her but not all goes to plan.

Fairy Lilac, Rose's godmother helps by conjuring up a plan to change the curse so that she goes to sleep for 100 years rather than dies if the spell comes to fruition.

Of course witch Hazel tries her best to get her curse to work and Rose does end up pricking her finger. Luckly, after many years of counting sheep, a dashing prince saves the day and kisses Rose breaking the spell.

The whole cast were professional throughout and gave a dazzling performance.

However, it was Alan Wagstaff as Nurse Dottie Dettol who helped take the production to another level. with his laugh-a-minute jokes and his banter with the audience, he really was superb. note to anyone going along - take a pack-a-mac as you might get wet thanks to his comic antics.

dean Breyley as the hero Prince Alexander also shone. His over-the-top, almost cartoon-like take on the character was outstanding. striding across the stage tossing his flowing locks, he owned the stage.

Stephanie Clift was perfectly cast as the stunning princess, as was Nicholsas Henry Heath as Muddles. He really gave the fun role his all and the children loved him.

The stunning sets, crisp sparkling costumes and polished cheoreography also added to the show as a whole.

what was also nice was the mixture of music throughout. There was something for everyone from songs from the popular High school Musical to Status Quo.

If you can book up for their next panto now, do so - you won't be disappointed.