Maureen Lipman Cast as Wicked Fairy in Richmond Theatre's SLEEPING BEAUTY

Renowned star of stage and screen Maureen Lipman makes a welcome return to panto this year as the Wicked Fairy in Richmond Theatre's spectacular seasonal offering SLEEPING BEAUTY! Joining her, after two hugely successful pantomimes at Richmond, will be CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis, returning for a third year in a row due to overwhelming popular demand, in the role of Chester the Jester. Sleeping Beauty runs December 2-January 8, 2017, with press night on December 8.

Maureen Lipman is a well-known actress, having learned her trade in Laurence Olivier's Company at the Old Vic, with a catalogue of acting credits for television, stage and film. Notably she played Joyce Grenfell in the biographical show Re: Joyce! and has since appeared on the small screen in a plethora of national favourites including Agony, About Face, Ladies of Letters and most recently Bull, Plebs and Discovering Britain. Her film credits include Educating Rita and the award-winning The Pianist. Maureen has also graced the stage in West End productions including Wonderful Town, See How They Run, Glorious!, A Little Night Music, and bothDaytona and Harvey at Theatre Royal Haymarket and Richmond Theatre. She recently starred in the critically acclaimed My Mother Said I Never Should at the St James Theatre. Maureen has also received an Olivier award, two Royal Variety awards and a CBE.

Chris Jarvis is a television actor and presenter who has appeared on BBC television since 1992. Chris made his name in the early 1990s on CBBC, presenting The Broom Cupboard alongside Zoë Ball and Josie d'Arby as well as hosting his own shows like Look Sharp. Since 2009 Chris has written and starred in the much loved TV children's programme, Show Me Show Me, and starred in Richmond Theatre's past two pantomimes as well as directing last year's Cinderella to universal acclaim.

Chief Executive of First Family Entertainment, Kevin Wood had the following to say on the casting news: "I am thrilled that Maureen and Chris are returning to Richmond to headline Sleeping Beauty this year. Maureen is known and loved by so many from her extensive acting career and we are really excited for everyone to see what a brilliant Wicked Fairy she will be. We are also delighted that the incredible Chris Jarvis will be returning for the third year running as he is the perfect ingredient to a magical family pantomime. Following a fantastic year last year, First Family Entertainment and Richmond Theatre are looking forward to bringing yet another quality, festive family production!"

Sleeping Beauty is a timeless story, telling the classic tale of Princess Beauty who has a spell cast over her by a Wicked Fairy sending her into a deep sleep - but can the spell be broken by a handsome Prince and will there be a happy ever after? With sumptuous sets, gorgeous fairytale costumes, big song and dance numbers, magic and bags of audience participation, Sleeping Beauty is a spectacular pantomime guaranteed to keep you awake this Christmas!

Book online: www.atgtickets.com/richmond (fees apply)

Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7651 (fees apply, calls cost 7p per min plus your phone company's access charge)

Photo credit: Paul Clapp

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