Casting has been revealed for Sleeping Beauty at Norwich Theatre Royal this Christmas.
The pantomime production will run at the venue from 9 December 2023 – 7 January 2024.
The festive show will see soap star Millie O’Connell in the title role with Beverley Callard in the role of the Evil Fairy with the return of Joe Tracini as The Fairy and Richard Gauntlett as The Queen.
Plus, Hamilton star Karl Queensborough will play The Prince.
Millie (SIX, The Cher Show) said: “I’m so excited to be at Norwich this year as your Sleeping Beauty! Looking forward to a Christmas full of magic, alongside some wonderful people!”
Speaking about her role, Beverley said: “My husband Jon and I made a decision to make our home in Norfolk just over a year ago, and we absolutely LOVE it. We love the people, the scenery, the BIG skies. To be asked to be in the panto at Norwich Theatre Royal is just fantastic; it’s a wonderful theatre and so highly respected. I’m thrilled, excited and can’t wait.”
Joe added: “This will be is my 20th year doing panto, and I’m so happy they’re letting me do it in Norwich again.
“The staff and the audiences at Norwich Theatre Royal are the best in the country, and I’m very lucky that they’re letting me be on the receiving end of that for the 4th year in a row.”
And Richard Gauntlett enthused: “Thrilled to be returning to my Christmas home from home for the 23rd year – and with promotion! At last, I shall be playing The Queen!”
This Christmas, get ready to see the other side of Sleeping Beauty: the Fairy’s tale. Join the Queen and the Fairy on their journey to save our Sleeping Beauty, with a prince in tow and despite the efforts of the Evil Fairy. Can dreams really come true? Who will save the day? You best get your beauty sleep. You won’t want to miss this one!
Expect the full pantomime tradition, lots of songs and dance numbers, and a show ram packed with laughs. You best get your beauty sleep. You won’t want to miss this one!
Stephen Crocker, Norwich Theatre Chief Executive & Creative Director, said: “Pantomime is the perfect time for family, and I am thrilled to welcome back Joe Tracini and Richard Gauntlett back to the Norwich Theatre family. I know the pair will bring the laughs and the panto magic to Sleeping Beauty.
“Every panto needs a baddie, and we are delighted to welcome Beverley Callard as the Evil Fairy. Beverley now calls Norfolk home, and I hope to make this Norfolk Christmas one to remember!
“We know Norfolk loves a panto, and I can promise everyone that this show will be packed full of everything you would expect from a Norwich Theatre pantomime.”
For more information and tickets, visit norwichtheatre.org