Sleeping Beauty Panto Launches in Milton Keynes

The Magic Begins in Milton Keynes as the Sleeping Beauty Cast Gather to Launch This Year’s Panto!
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Milton Keynes Theatre
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Five people in colorful, elaborate pantomime costumes.

The cast of this year’s spectacular Milton Keynes panto, Sleeping Beauty, came together on Tuesday 8 September at the stunning Chicheley Hall to officially launch this year’s production in true fairytale style.

The magical event gave a glimpse of what audiences can expect in Milton Keynes this Christmas. The star-studded cast included chart-topping sensation Alexandra Burke as Carabosse, TV and theatre star Richard Cadell as Joey the Jester, accompanied by his lovable friends Sooty and Sweep, sensational cabaret artist Ceri Dupree as Queen Passionella and national treasure Christopher Biggins as The Diva of Dreams. Musical theatre star Natalie Chua, who will play Sleeping Beauty, was also in attendance.

Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director at Milton Keynes Theatre, said:

“Panto Press Day is always an exciting time, as it's often the first opportunity for our cast to come together and gives everyone a sneak peek at what's in store for audiences this festive season. The cast certainly did not disappoint; from the spectacular costumes to the infectious energy on display, it's clear that Milton Keynes is in for a real treat with Sleeping Beauty this year."

A woman in an elaborate red and black costume featuring a jeweled and feathered headpiece.
Carabosse - Alexandra Burke
Two smiling men pose with a Sooty puppet; one in a red shirt, the other in a flamboyant silver theatrical costume.
Diva of Dreams - Christopher Biggins & Joey the Jester - Richard Cadell
Drag queen in a pink sequined dress and enormous orange feathered headdress and boa, arms outstretched, in a fancy room.
Queen Passionella - Ceri Dupree
A woman wears a dramatic black and red feathered costume with an elaborate jeweled headpiece, posing indoors.
A man and a woman smile with Sooty and Sweep puppets behind a blue box labeled "Sooty".
Five individuals in elaborate pantomime costumes: a dark queen, a pink princess, a panto dame with a spinning wheel, a red and yellow figure, and a glittering silver character, posing in a grand hall.
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Sleeping Beauty is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the company behind huge panto successes including last year’s production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Cursed by her wicked aunt, Princess Aurora pricks her finger on a magical spinning wheel and falls into a deep, enchanted sleep. The kingdom is thrown into chaos, but can true love break the spell? Will good triumph over evil?

Find out in a spectacular panto packed with special effects, laugh-out-loud comedy and familiar pop hits – a dream come true for the whole family.

With the cast now assembled and excitement building, the countdown is officially on to bring a magical mix of laughter, music, mischief and mayhem to the stage this Christmas.

Sleeping Beauty runs from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027 and promises to make all your dreams come true!

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