Sleeping Beauty Pantomime 2025/2026

BIG panto news . . . they’re back, back, BACK!

Panto favourites Mark Rhodes, David Phipps-Davis and Samantha Spragg will reunite for more fun and mischief in Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.

The Gatehouse is over the moon to announce the terrific trio will star in the fantastic family fun-fest from December 5 to January 4.

Double BAFTA award-winner Mark spent nearly two decades on CBBC as a host on Crackerjack, eight series of Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind-Up and the Saturday morning live show TMI to name but a few.

He’s back to play (wait for it) Hilarious Harry and says: “I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to the Gatehouse with the wonderful Dave and Sam. We had such a fun time last year and I think this year will be even better. Here’s to the best Christmas Stafford and a wonderful panto experience!”

With more than thirty pantos under his belt (or corset in this case!) David has starred in shows including Oliver! and The Phantom of the Opera and as a director has also staged over fifty productions.

He returns as Nurse Nora Knickerbocker and adds: “I’m thrilled to be back in Stafford for my third panto season. Stafford has become almost a home from home and the audiences certainly make me feel at home with their warm welcome. I adore working at the Gatehouse, many of the team have now become firm friends, and the audiences are always up for a laugh, even when I massively veer from the script.

‘I’m also thrilled to be reunited with my ‘son’ Mark Rhodes, who valiantly attempts to steer me back onto the script despite the futility. Here’s to lots more anarchic fun, lots more dresses and maybe a little opera on the way, too!”

Completing the trio is fabulously fierce Samantha Spragg who, having delighted audiences last year as Poison Ivy, will once again bring the ‘boos’ as she casts a spell as the villainous Carabosse.

Produced by the renowned Imagine Theatre, Sleeping Beauty promises to deliver a spectacular mix of dazzling costumes, enchanting storytelling, and laugh-a-minute antics.

With plenty of audience interaction, catchy songs, and classic panto magic, this year’s production is set to be Staffordshire’s ultimate festive family treat.

When the wicked fairy’s evil curse causes the Princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her from the magical slumber before it’s too late?

Make your dreams come true this Christmas with sensational family pantomime Sleeping Beauty!