The Sleeping Beauty (Colchester)

The pantomime at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester has long been a story- rather than spectacle-led entertainment. That's fine for the adult members of the audience – after all, they're the people who've paid for the tickets – and older children. But I can't help feeling that Jonathan Petherbridge's version of The Sleeping Beauty may have left smaller children somewhat bemused.

An old woman, who might almost be Bennett's The Lady in the Van, emerges from a (very large) handbag. Kate Copeland makes clear that this is not someone to be lightly crossed, let along ignored. The king and queen (Simon Pontin and Sarah Head) are desperate for a child, to thwart the dynastic ambitions of his younger brother who already has a son, Justin.

The old woman is prepared to help (with the aid of a rat or two) but has one condition. She must be invited to the christening party. And that the haughty queen doesn't do, quite deliberately. Fortunately, there's an apprentice fairy at hand, Crystal, who needs to graduate to full-wing status. Emma Salvo gives this sprite character; Crystal is someone with whom one can empathise.

Fast forward to the Princess Talia (Stephanie Hockley)'s 18th birthday party. Guests are in short supply, though Justin (Jonny Fines) does turn up (we're in the 1950s, so he's a bit of a show-off) with the gift of a record-player. Talia duly pricks her finger on the needle at the end of the pick-up arm – and you know what happens next. More or less.

One hundred years later and Crystal still hasn't achieved her wings. But she does manage to make time go backwards so that Justin can claim his bride and the old woman's vengeance be thwarted. For your information, the 2050s have mutated police dogs (Melissa Dean and Craig Painting), the palace secretaries (Dean and Painting again) are space-suited and Nanny (Neil Bromley) hardly changes at all.

Tony Casement's direction keeps it all on the move. Foxton's revolving set incorporates some clever touches and Richard Reeday's score and lyrics go with a swing. Just don't expect the completely traditional story or presentation. This is a show with a difference. Perhaps too much so.