The Customs House in South Shields is set to sprinkle some festive magic this Christmas as Sleeping Beauty takes centre stage in its latest pantomime production.
The much-loved Mill Dam venue, which has delighted family audiences with its smash-hit pantomimes for more than 30 years, will present the spectacular new production from Friday 20 November to Saturday 2 January.
Written by Ray Spencer and Graeme Thompson, Sleeping Beauty promises everything audiences have come to expect from a Customs House pantomime, from big musical numbers and outstanding comedy to plenty of slapstick, sparkle and audience participation.
This year, chaos descends on Cooksonville as the classic fairy tale receives a hilarious Customs House makeover.
When the wicked fairy Melania places a curse on the Palace, Dame Bella and her well-meaning but accident-prone nephew Dennis find themselves in a race against time. Their mission is simple, but far from easy: track down every spinning wheel in the kingdom before the Princess reaches her date with destiny.
Packed with laughter, songs and larger-than-life characters, this family-friendly adventure features feuding fairies, bumbling heroes and lurking dragons, where only courage, friendship and plenty of comedy can save the day.
Customs House Chief Executive Kelly Anders said: “We are all really excited about this year’s show. We are bringing to life a family favourite for the first time in more than 15 years and putting our unique Customs House spin on it.
“We have assembled a fantastic cast and creative team, bringing together familiar faces and those who are new to The Customs House, and we can’t wait to see our audiences’ reaction.”
Returning to Cooksonville are audience favourites Ray Spencer as Dame Bella, Glen Richard Townsend as Dennis and Steven Lee Hamilton, who stars as the wicked Melania.
Making their Customs House pantomime debuts are Olivia Walker Toward as Princess Celestre and Savannah McKenzie as Fairy Loveday.
Joining the fairy team are Lucy Davis as Fairy Typhonia, with Jess Brady and Bethan Amber sharing the role of Fairy Sophronia.
The cast is completed by Phil Corbitt as King Ethelred and Shelley Nicholson as swing.
Off stage, the production is led by director Natasha Haws, musical director Jen Stevens and choreographer Jack Pallister.
Tickets are already selling fast, so don’t hit the snooze button – get your tickets now!
Tickets for Sleeping Beauty, sponsored by Hays Travel, start from £14 and are available from The Customs House box office: 0191 455 1234 or customshouse.co.uk.
Sleeping Beauty runs at The Customs House, South Shields, from 20 November to 2 January.
L-R: Lucy Davis, Savannah McKenzie, Jess Brady, Ray Spencer, Olivia Walker Toward, Phil Corbitt, Glen Richard Townsend & Steven Lee Hamilton.
Photo Credit: Akoz Media (www.akoz.media)