Cast Announced For SLEEPING BEAUTY at the Belgrade

With just 71 sleeps to go until Christmas, it's time to set your alarm and get ready for the nation's dreamiest panto as Sleeping Beauty heads to Coventry this Christmas.

Ahead of the show's opening on Wednesday 21 November, the Belgrade Theatre is already getting set for Christmas, with full casting now confirmed for the show.

Returning for his 24th Belgrade Theatre pantomime will be writer and director Iain Lauchlan. With a career spanning over 40 years in the entertainment industry, Iain is best known as the writer of the BAFTA-winning series The Tweenies, but has also worked on a range of other popular television shows, including Playschool, Fingermouse, Playdays, Storytime and Fun Song Factory.

This year, Lauchlan will be taking on the role of Nanny McWheeze, joined by fellow Belgrade favourite and regular partner in crime Craig Hollingsworth as Muddles the Jester. Together, the much-loved comedy double-act will be working to assist Prince Valiant on his quest to rescue the sleeping princess - and getting into plenty of scrapes along the way!

Sweeping in to save the day as the dashing young prince will be Joanna Thorne, who recently completed her training at London's Arts Educational Schools. Meanwhile, Melissa Brown-Taylor will be snoozing her way through the action as the beautiful Princess Belle. Melissa's recent credits include the UK tours of All Or Nothing: The Mod Musical, and Bill Kenwright's This is Elvis.

Supporting our heroes as the good Fairy will be Anna Mitcham, who returns to the Belgrade after appearing in 2016-17 pantomime Dick Whittington, and 2010-11's Cinderella. Other recent credits include Dangerous Corner and Dial M for Murder at Nottingham Playhouse.

Setting out to foil their plans with cunning schemes will be Laura Judge as the wicked fairy Carabosse. Laura's recent stage credits include Into the Woods at Brassneck Theatre, The Full Monty for Leeds City Varieties, and Two for Segue Theatre.

Also making a welcome return following previous panto performances will be Vicky Field and Declan Wilson in the roles of the King and Queen. Completing the cast as the male and female ensembles will be Katy Anna Southgate and Ivano Turco, along with a fantastic junior chorus of local children.

Writer, director and Dame Iain Lauchlan said, "That's us all ready to rock and roll. Script is finalised, set is being finished off, costumes are nearly complete and I have my wonderful cast for this year! It's great to see a mix of new faces and old favourites. Sleeping Beauty should be great fun this year, so make sure you don't miss it!"

When Princess Belle pricks her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she's cursed to fall asleep for 100 years, unless she's kissed by her one true love. Enter the dashing Prince Valiant, along with Nanny Fanny McWheeze and Muddles, who embark on a brave adventure to save the Princess from her terrible fate. But with the wicked Fairy Carabosse determined to ruin their plans, will the trusty trio be triumphant or is the Princess doomed to a century of snoozing?

Don't get caught napping when Sleeping Beauty comes to the Belgrade Theatre from Wednesday 21 November until Saturday 5 January. Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055 or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are even cheaper.

To post a comment, you must register and login.