Strictly star Emma Barton leads stellar cast in family-friendly festive extravaganza
This Christmas season, audiences are in for a magical treat as the enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty comes to life at the Princess Theatre in Torquay, running from Friday 12 December 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026.
The production brings together an outstanding cast led by television soap favourite and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Emma Barton, who stars as the deliciously wicked Carabosse. Barton, known for her captivating performances both on screen and stage, will bring her considerable talents to the role of the vengeful witch whose curse sets the classic fairy tale in motion.
Torquay’s beloved pantomime dame Michael Neilson makes a welcome return for his third consecutive year at the Princess Theatre. This season, Neilson transforms into the hilarious Nurse Nellie, a character on a perpetual quest for love – with particular interest in audience members seated in the first two rows!
The stellar lineup continues with fan-favourite Matthew Curnier, who returns to delight audiences as Chester the Jester. Meanwhile, newcomers to the Princess Theatre stage include Lotti Brogan as the beautiful Princess Aurora and Charlie McCullagh as the heroic Prince Valiant, determined to break the evil curse. Rounding out the principal cast is Lucy McClusky as the well-intentioned but perpetually sleepy Fairy Fortywinks.
This enchanting production comes from the creative team behind last year’s immensely popular “Jack and the Beanstalk”, which thrilled Torquay audiences during the 2024 festive season. Theatregoers can expect a dazzling spectacle featuring toe-tapping musical numbers, spectacular special effects, slapstick comedy, and plenty of surprises.
“Sleeping Beauty has all the ingredients for the perfect festive family outing,” says a spokesperson for the Princess Theatre. “We’re particularly excited to welcome Emma Barton to Torquay, along with returning favourites who our audiences have taken to their hearts.”
Tickets for this family-friendly pantomime are expected to sell quickly. As the theatre’s promotional material warns: “If you SNOOZE, you LOSE! So book your tickets now.”
The production is proudly supported by Greatest Hits Radio.
Sleeping Beauty (Pantomime) – Relaxed Performance
Date(s): Sun 28 Dec 2025
Sleeping Beauty (Pantomime)
Date(s): Fri 12 Dec 2025 – Sat 3 Jan 2026
Princess Theatre
Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 5EZ
Book Tickets for Sleeping Beauty