Famed for the quality of its Christmas shows (A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland, James and the Giant Peach and many more), Newcastle’s Northern Stage has never hosted a panto (except the Suggestibles’ popular improvised Impro Pantso) but in August this changes as local producer Liam Glendinning's new company Glendo Entertainment brings its summer family panto, Sleeping Beauty, to the venue from 27 to 31 August at 3:00 and 7:00 (except 31 when the times are 11:00 and 3:00).
Written by local panto writer Tom Whalley, Sleeping Beauty’s cast is led by the North East’s often foul-mouthed “Queen of Mean”, Miss Rory, the “hostess with the mostest” at Boulevard Cabaret Bar and compère (commère?) of Newcastle Pride. She will play the evil Fairy Carabosse, determined to get her revenge for not being invited to Princess Beauty’s birthday party. She remains nasty but will be on her best behaviour language-wise!
Also in the cast are popular North East Dame Daniel Mawston as Queen Patsy, former Made in Tyne & Wear TV presenter Hazel Pude as Fairy Canny, West End star Wayne Smith as Prince Philip of Fenham. In addition, Gateshead-born Robyn McEnaney plays Beauty, Craig Richardson from South Shields plays Muddles and James Mitchinson is Radgie Gadgie.
Tickets (£10–£25) are available on the Northern Stage web site or from the box office on 0191 230 5151.
This is a Northern Stage hire, not an NS production.