James Holmes is to return to Buxton Opera House for the seventh time to play the dame in the theatre’s panto.
Holmes, best known for appearing as Clive in the TV comedy Miranda, will play the mischievous Carabossy—an evil fairy with a sweet side—in Sleeping Beauty.
He will be joined by Buxton regular Matthew Jay Ryan as Jock the palace cleaner who tidies up the debris left by Carabossy’s attempted spells and messy boiling cauldron.
Buxton Opera House chief executive Paul Kerryson said, “the annual pantomime is always a highlight on the Opera House calendar and we’re looking forward to welcoming old friends and new. We’ve lined up an action-packed show with all the ingredients needed for a magical Christmas treat and our panto cast can’t wait to be back in Buxton to celebrate the festive season with this great show.”
The cast also features Rebecca Mendoza as Fairy Liquid, Jennifer Hague as the queen, Andrew Sharpe as the king, Lucas Bailey as Thomas the cat, Georgia Gallagher as Princess Beauty and Ross Clifton as Prince Gorgeous.
Kerryson will direct with choreography by Tracey Iliffe. Costumes will be designed by Charles Cusick-Smith, lighting by Tom Davis and sound by Eoin O'Grady.
Sleeping Beauty will run from Saturday 10 December until Sunday 1 January 2023.