Sleeping Beauty: A Classic Panto with a Modern Twist

There will be no dozing off in this year’s Sleeping Beauty panto at Sheringham – with an all-action, modern slant on the timeless fairytale.

The Little Theatre show brings the age-old curse-and-kiss story up to date with characters renamed in teenage slang to hit the right notes with 21st century children, and their families.

Be prepared to meet King Rizz, Queen Slay, Prince Sigma, and a good fairy called Skibidi when it opens on December 12.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “It’s a modern twist on a classic story which also sees Beauty not getting much sleep in a show full of action, special effects, music, dance and comedy for all ages.”

The title role of Beauty is played new Sheringham newcomer Annabel Partington-Smith in her first professional panto role since graduating with a First Class BA Honours degree in Musical Theatre Performance from The Hammond drama school. She has a range of musical theatre credits and last year worked in a Harry Potter production in Beijing including leading a frog choir.

From Wizard of Oz to Debbie added: “She has a beautiful soprano voice and the classic Sleeping Beauty looks.”

Sleeping Beauty is very kindly sponsored by Kelling Heath Holiday Park. With miles of woodland and heathland trails for walking and cycling or simply enjoying the diverse range of wildlife and the many species of birds, Kelling Heath provides the ideal setting to enjoy a range of recreational and leisure facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts as well as being surrounded by nature at every turn. Choose from impressive Woodland Lodges, luxury Holiday Homes, or bring your own touring caravan or tent and experience the unique environment of the Park at your own pace. Make your stay as adventurous or relaxing as you like!

The show has been written by Sheringham’s “Mister Panto” Nick Earnshaw, and will be directed by Katie Thompson.

The professional cast is bolstered by teams of eight to 18-year-old youth chorus members coached by Tom Withington Performing Arts and some six to 10-year-old Little Thorns. North Walsham couple Ron Sayer and Charlotte Joyce are musical director and vocal coach, with stage design by Nick Murley.

Sleeping Beauty runs from December 12 to January 3. The theatre is also again staging an adult panto mime The Wizard of Oz: Wicked and Willing from January 5-10. Tickets and information at www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office on 01263 822347.

Photo by CXH Studios.