Panto legend Susie McKenna’s Sleeping Beauty opens in Catford

Catford’s Broadway Theatre has unveiled the cast and creative team for the much-anticipated pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Written and directed by acclaimed Panto Legend Susie McKenna, this spell-binding production takes to the stage for a family-friendly festive run from December 4 to 31.

Ms McKenna said: “I’m looking forward to celebrating Lewisham again and all it has to offer including the diverse audience who are always up for a party!”

Infused with Ms McKenna’s signature knockabout comedy style, colourful characters and political wit, Sleeping Beauty promises to breathe new life into this well-known story.

This modern take transports audiences to the magical kingdoms of Lewishtonia and Westminsteria. Once warring, both have now reached an uneasy peace.

Sleeping Beauty follows Tahlia, the warrior princess of Lewishtonia, as she turns 18.

But Tahlia faces a curse, placed on her as a child, and is forced to confront a new destiny. Along the way she meets raucous slapstick characters.

Sleeping Beauty will see the return of Broadway theatre favourites, Wayne Rollins as Denzil the Dragon, Durone Stokes as Prince Gabriel and Ben Fox as King Eric The Undecided.

Also joining the cast are Roshani Abbey as Tahlia, the Sleeping Beauty, Justin Brett as Dame Nanny Nora, Lisa Davina Phillip as Carabosse and Natasha Lewis as Willowsnap.

With many of this year’s cast holding a connection to the area, this show is truly rooted in Lewisham with a strong sense of place and belonging.

Mr Stokes, who was born in Lewisham hospital, said: “This theatre was the first stage I ever performed on.

“I used to do all my Saturday school shows here as a kid growing up. I came to see a variety show with my Mum and seeing an actor on stage playing the prince in Cinderella planted the seed.

“So, I have a real connection with Broadway Theatre, it’s a total homecoming.”

The production blends iconic tracks with original music to carry the audience on a journey through musical favourites, old and new.

Cllr Edison Huynh, Lewisham council cabinet member for culture and communities, said: “We are excited to welcome our panto partners Joy Productions and Susie McKenna back to the Broadway.

“Panto is such an important Christmas tradition in Lewisham. We love the way it brings residents, of all ages, together to share in the joy of live performance. We hope as many people as possible, from across the borough, will join us at the Broadway for what will be a fantastic, lively, high quality production.”

Pictured top: Roshani Abbey as Princess Tahlia and Durone Stokes as Prince Gabriel in rehearsal for Sleeping Beauty (Picture: Joy Productions)