A HOST of celebrities are in Weston to perform this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, at The Playhouse Theatre.

Peter Undery, the theatre’s general manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our pantomime cast to Weston for what we know will be a highquality production packed with traditional pantomime fun.

“Advance sales are already very strong, so audiences are advised to book early to secure the best seats.”

For pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates this is the first time they have presented Sleeping Beauty at the theatre, and this production promises to hold true to the great traditions of the seasonal treat which is a must on every family’s calendar.

In a show packed with adventure and audience participation, it will be brimming with true talent, including Lorraine Chase and X factor duo Same Difference.

Chase has recently appeared on This Morning, Casualty, The Bill, Lock Stock and My Family, and last year she parachuted 12,000 feet in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

Now she takes to the stage as wicked fairy Carabosse in this classic fairytale where she will join a cast including Sean and Sarah Smith, also known as Same Difference, who won over the nation in the fourth season of reality TV show The X Factor, finishing third in the final.

In a role made for her, Sarah will wave the wand of sweetness and magic as the lovely Lilac Fairy, who battles with evil Fairy Carabosse, who has cast a spell on Princess Aurora.

Sean will be a dashing Prince sent to awaken the Princess with a magical kiss, and with his handsome hero looks he’s sure to break a few hearts, too.

The production also sees the popular return of father and son act Simmons and Simmons, who stormed the Playhouse with their comedy madness and mayhem in Aladdin last Christmas.

Simmons and Simmons will be returning to direct and appear as the calamitous King and comedy Chamberlain, promising to raise the roof with their routines.

Having won the hearts of Weston’s young and old, and making a return as Muddles, will be the diminutive, energy-fuelled Terry Gleed, who delighted as Wishee Washee in Aladdin.

Every panto needs a dame, and Nurse Katy Cough Drop will deliver a diva-sized performance. Audiences are guaranteed plenty of toe-tapping, handclapping, sing-a-long songs, comedy, stunning costumes and scenery straight out of a magical land of dreams.

Sleeping Beauty runs until January 6, and tickets at £13.50 are available at www.theplayhouse.co.uk or by calling 01934-645544.