Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty opens at Milton Keynes Theatre on Saturday 5 December, running through to Sunday 10 January. It's a pantomime from Crossroads Pantomimes, who describe themselves as the world's biggest panto producer and were behind last year's Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

The story is the one you know: Princess Aurora is cursed by her wicked aunt, pricks her finger on a magic spinning wheel, and falls into a deep, enchanted sleep that throws the kingdom into chaos, until true love can break the spell. The production combines special effects, comedy and pop hits, with the lead role of Sleeping Beauty played by Natalie Chua.

Leading the cast is Alexandra Burke as the villainous Carabosse, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the role. She's joined by Richard Cadell, a children's television favourite, as Joey the Jester, Ceri Dupree as Queen Passionella, and Christopher Biggins as The Diva of Dreams. Between Burke's singing and the comedy from Cadell and Dupree, there's a fair bit of name recognition on the bill.

If you're coming from outside the city, there's a coach tour option for £65 per person, which covers your theatre ticket and return travel. Otherwise, the show runs from 5 December to 10 January at the theatre in Central Milton Keynes, so you've got plenty of dates to choose from across the holiday season.