Theatre Royal Wakefield’s pantomime for 2023 is an extra special adaptation of the fairytale classic, Sleeping Beauty with performances running from Tuesday 28 November to Sunday 7 January.
From the moment the curtain goes up, the audience can expect an hilarious performance with a local twist to the tale thanks to the script, which has been written by children’s TV favourite and much-loved Pantomime Dame, Chris Hannon.
Taking to the stage for his twelfth year, Chris will be joined by Sam Nixon, singer and double BAFTA award winning TV presenter. Returning for his fourth appearance at Theatre Royal Wakefield, Sam will once again bring further festive fun to this family friendly show.
Supported by a cast and young people’s chorus, this version of Sleeping Beauty is expected to beat all box office records, with figures from 2022 reporting 26,500 audience members came along to enjoy the magic, belly laughs and outrageous outfits the pantomime is famed for.
Set in Wakeyland, the plot starts with people rejoicing as Old King Cole announces the arrival of a baby princess. The fairies are called to bestow blessings upon the babe, but one fairy, Nocturna, has other ideas. A terrible curse is placed upon the child and the King lives in fear for his daughter’s life.
With interactive elements to the show, the audience will be encouraged to join in with lots of banter and the much anticipated twelve days of Christmas, which has become a key feature of the annual event.
Katie Town, Executive Director of Theatre Royal Wakefield, comments: ‘The pantomime is our most popular performance of the year. It has become a firm favourite with families of all ages. This year is set to be no exception.
‘We are very pleased to welcome Chris and Sam back to the stage, along with our wonderful performers and young people’s chorus. Sleeping Beauty is a classic, however, with a local twist we know that it will be all the more relatable to our audience.’
Tickets to the show start from just £15.
For more details about Theatre Royal Wakefield and its full schedule of performances and events, which run throughout the year in both the Matcham Auditorium and Walker Studios, please visit: https://www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk/ and for regular updates follow @trwakefield on twitter, @theatreroyalwakefield on Instagram and @Theatre Royal Wakefield on Facebook.
