It’s going to be a spellbinding time at York Theatre Royal this Christmas.
We met the cast of Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal this week – who are excited to be bringing this timeless tale to York.
The family pantomime will feature CBeebies icon Jennie Dale as Fairy Moonbeam, returning York favourites Robin Simpson as Nurse Nellie and Tommy Carmichael as Jangles, and West End stars Jocasta Almgill as Carabosse and Aoife Kenny as the titular sleeping princess.
Sleeping Beauty is at York Theatre Royal from Tuesday 2 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Robin Simpson is once again returning as the Dame, following a fab run of of main stage pantomime appearances including Dame Dolly in Aladdin and Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk – and he’s “overjoyed” to be back.
“I can’t wait,” Robin told YorkMix. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and a party atmosphere. Come and see it with your friends, with your family, with your children – it’s just a nice get together.”
Children’s TV star Jennie Dale is known for playing Captain Captain in the beloved CBeebies TV series Swashbuckle and for presenting her show Jennie’s Fitness in 5 for CBeebies and CBBC – and she’s excited to sprinkle some magic in York this Christmas.
“I think that everybody could do with some joy in their lives at the moment and in the world,” Jennie said to YorkMix. “You’re guaranteed to come and belly laugh and hopefully share that with your friends and family.
“It kick starts your Christmas spirit with your people!
“It’s my first time in York, and everyone that I’ve spoken to who I’ve told I’m coming here has said it’s the most beautiful place,” said Jennie.
“I’m so excited to be here, especially at Christmas time. It’s apparently very beautiful and sparkly and fairy-like – everything that I love – so I’m thrilled to be here!”
Written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster, York Theatre Royal’s festive extravaganza is co-produced with award-winning Evolution Productions – the same team behind previous York pantomime hits All New Adventures of Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk and last year’s Aladdin.
Tickets for Sleeping Beauty are on sale, with family tickets available for all performances with savings of up to £64.50 on booking with four tickets. Find out more and book your tickets at the York Theatre Royal website.
