You’re never too old to believe in the magic of pantomime and this year, Sleeping Beauty is set to cast its spell over Greenock, at the Beacon Arts Centre.
Prepare to be transported into a fairytale world of magical castles, bewitched spinning wheels, and an enchanted sleep that only true love’s kiss can break. Expect fabulous songs, dazzling costumes, and plenty of classic panto fun – with slapstick, gags, and audience participation galore.
Produced in-house, Inverclyde’s much-loved panto sees the return of Beacon favourites Jane McCarry, Mark Cox, Jimmy Chisholm. Written by panto stalwart Alan McHugh and directed by Tony Cownie, with musical direction by John Kielty and choreography by Ross Logan, Sleeping Beauty runs from 4 December to 31 December.
The spellbinding story follows Princess Aurora, who is hidden away to protect her from the wicked Carabosse, the sorceress who curses her to die if she pricks her finger before her 21st birthday. But when the Queen casts a counter-spell, the stakes change – Aurora will not die, but fall into a deep sleep until awakened by true love’s kiss.Will Carabosse’s curse come to pass? Will Aurora be revealed as the missing Princess? And will the course of true love ever run smooth?
The full cast includes Jane McCarry as Carabosse, Mark Cox as Slimeball, Jimmy Chisholm as Dame Nellie McDuff, Lee Samuel as Muggles McDuff and Shannon Swan as Princess Aurora, with newcomers Rachel Flynn and Charlie West. They are joined by a four strong ensemble comprising Katie Auld, Mark D’Arcy, Isla McAlpine and Sean Van Oostrum.
Jane McCarry, loved by millions as Still Game’s Isa Drennan, says, “It’s wonderful to be back with my pals again this year. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be at Christmas – the atmosphere, the staff, and the audiences at the Beacon are second to none.”
McCarry’s Craiglang co-star Mark Cox, best known to fans of the show as Tam Mullen, adds, “I’m delighted to be back at the best theatre, and in the best panto in Scotland. The Beacon audiences are so warm and friendly, they make performing here an absolute joy.”
Karen Townsend, Co-Director of Beacon Arts Centre, says, “Our 2024 panto pulled in record crowds with audiences of more than 20,500, so we’re raising the bar and hoping to attract around 21,000 this year. There’s something truly magical about panto. It’s often a child’s first experience of live theatre, and we’re committed to making it a spectacular, joy-filled memory that lasts a lifetime. We want everyone in our community to share in that magic, regardless of background, and to feel the excitement and togetherness that only live theatre can bring.”
Lesley Davidson, Co-Director, adds, “It’s fantastic to see our panto audiences growing year on year. The entire Beacon team works tirelessly to make sure the experience is magical for families. It’s lovely that our panto has become such a cherished part of Inverclyde’s festive traditions.”
Tickets here.
