From Snoozing Princess to Fire-Breathing Dragon – Sleeping Beauty Hits Coventry

Grace Delivers: Sleeping Beauty at the Belgrade

Postbags at the ready – Coventry, your Christmas panto parcel has arrived, and it’s a corker. Artistic Director Corey Campbell, CEO Laura Elliot, and the whole Belgrade Theatre team have unwrapped the full cast and creative crew for this year’s festive favourite Sleeping Beauty, written by and starring award-winning panto maestro Iain Lauchlan. Performances run from Wednesday 19 November to Saturday 3 January 2026, with a press night on Friday 21 November. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a Relaxed Performance on Friday 2 January at 2pm, complete with softer sound and lighting for a gentler, inclusive experience.

Now, let’s get to the fairytale gossip. Princess Aurora’s had a bit of a mare (literally): one prick of the spinning wheel and she’s out cold for a century unless a kiss from her true love breaks the curse. But fear not! A dashing Prince and his two slightly accident-prone sidekicks set out on a rescue mission. Standing in their way? None other than the wicked Fairy Carabosse, who is absolutely determined to turn this fairy tale into a nightmare. Who wins? You’ll have to come along and see…

And let me tell you, the Belgrade aren’t holding back. We’re promised:

• Fairytale sets
• Outlandish costumes
• A fire-breathing dragon
• A side-splitting Dame
• Enough laughter to wake the heaviest of sleepers

The Cast
Leading the charge is writer/director Iain Lauchlan as ‘Nanny Fanny McWheeze’ (returning after hits like Dick Whittington, Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk). He’s joined by his fellow 2023 Pantomime Association Award co-winner Andy Hockley (Wicked, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Phantom of the Opera) as Grumbleweed – and believe it or not, it’s his 20th Belgrade panto!

The fun continues with Craig Hollingsworth (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast) as Muddles the Jester, and serving villain realness is Wendi Harriott (winner of Best Villain at the 2024 UK Pantomime Awards, credits include An Officer and a Gentleman and Soul Sisters) as Carabosse.

Completing the fairytale are:

• Mia King-Harmes (Elf the Musical) as Princess Belle/Queen Hyacinth
• Emily Rayner (The Crucible, Nottingham Playhouse) as Prince Valiant
• Arif Javid (The Ramayana, Birmingham Rep) as King Cuthbert
• Aonghas Ewen (Channel 4’s THE B@AIT) as Azurial
• Ensemble: Lauren Steele, Miriana Pavia and Alexander Rowles

Creative sparkle comes from: Jenny Phillips (Choreography), Ian Westbrook (Set Design), James MacIver (Costumes), Jason Taylor (Lighting), Chris Murray (Sound), Hayley Gibbs (Musical Director), Tim Spencer (Musical Arrangements) and Vicki Stevenson (Assistant Director/Choreographer).

But wait, there’s more…
The Belgrade will also host Well Done, Mummy Penguin (3 Dec – 3 Jan), based on Chris Haughton’s beloved picture book. Expect daring acrobatics, integrated sign language, heart-melting humour – and it’s perfect for ages 3+. Well Done, Mummy Penguin – Belgrade Theatre

So, Coventry, whether you fancy a snoozing princess, a villain with serious sass, or a penguin family waddling across the stage, the Belgrade has your Christmas covered. Snap up tickets quick – because nothing says festive cheer like a Dame called Nanny Fanny McWheeze and a dragon breathing down your neck. Buy Here: Sleeping Beauty – Belgrade Theatre

See you in the stalls – I’ll be the one rattling my satchel with excitement.

— Grace

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Who Is Andrew “The Guvnor” of Theatre Village? (As delivered by Grace Hatchell, 2nd Act Couriers, First Class & Slightly Nosy Service) Now then… if you’ve spent any time wandering through Theatre Village, you’ll have felt it. That hum. That buzz. That sense that somewhere, behind the curtain, someone’s pulling the strings, brewing the tea, and making sure the spotlight actually turns on. That, my lovely lot, would be Andrew. Or as I’ve taken to calling him… The Guvnor. I

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