What Is The Christmas Show Sleeping Beauty At The Stephen Joseph Theatre In Scarborough And Who Is In The Cast?

Ever had one of those dreams? The kind where you’re running as fast as you can, but you don’t seem to be moving an inch? Or that classic one where you desperately need the loo and suddenly everyone you’ve ever met is standing in your way? They’re a bit weird, aren’t they?

Well, what about the dream where a wicked fairy curses you on your eleventh Christmas Eve, dooming you to prick your finger and fall asleep for a hundred years? Probably not one you’ve had. But for a girl named Molly, that specific nightmare is feeling a bit too real. This is the setup for this year's big Christmas show at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, a fresh take on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. The cast has just been announced for what promises to be a fantastically festive adventure, packed with songs, laughs, and plenty of holiday spirit.

A familiar cast for a new adventure

Getting the right group of actors together for a show is a bit like putting together a winning football team; chemistry is everything. The team at the Stephen Joseph Theatre seems to have hit on a winning formula. The new cast for Sleeping Beauty reunites four of the brilliant actors from the theatre's 2023 UK Theatre Award-winning production of Beauty and the Beast. Amy Drake, Annie Kirkman, Oliver Mawdsley, and Kiara Nicole Pillai are all returning to the Scarborough stage, which is great news for anyone who saw their last performance. When actors have worked together before, they often have a kind of shorthand, an on-stage connection that brings a whole new level of energy and fun to a show.

Joining them is Jacob Butler, who audiences might remember as the hero from the theatre's 2021 Christmas show, Jack and the Beanstalk. Having a mix of familiar faces and a returning favourite is a brilliant way to build excitement. The theatre has even released the official headshots of the new cast, so everyone can get a first look at the actors who will be bringing this magical story to life. This talented group will be taking on this new telling of Sleeping Beauty, a story that promises to be a very different kind of adventure. The cast is set, and the stage is almost ready for this festive production.

So, what’s this version of Sleeping Beauty about?

This isn't just the story you remember from the storybooks. This version of Sleeping Beauty centres around a young girl named Molly. She’s been having a recurring dream, a proper nightmare really, about a terrible curse placed on her by a wicked fairy. The curse says that on her eleventh Christmas Eve, she’ll prick her finger and fall into a deep sleep for a century. The problem is, her eleventh Christmas Eve is just around the corner. Her mum keeps saying, “One more sleep,” trying to get her excited for Christmas. But for Molly, that phrase has a much scarier meaning. If she's not careful, she might be having the longest, craziest sleep of her life!

The whole play is framed as a night-time adventure. It’s a story designed to be full of songs, big laughs, and all sorts of festive nonsense. It’s the kind of show where you can almost feel the magic in the air. The creators even joke that cocoa, pyjamas, and teddy bears are optional, painting a picture of a cosy, funny, and slightly chaotic Christmas dream. It sounds like the perfect festive treat, turning a classic fairy tale into a relatable story about facing your fears, even when they come from a strange and powerful dream. This Christmas, the theatre will be transformed into Molly's world, where a single night could last a hundred years.

The team making the magic happen

Behind every great show is a team of creative people working tirelessly to make the magic happen. For this production of Sleeping Beauty, the writer, Nick Lane, is also stepping into the role of director. This is actually his directing debut at the SJT, which is pretty exciting. When the writer is also the director, it means they have a crystal-clear vision of how the story should look, sound, and feel on stage. They wrote the words, so they know exactly what emotion or laugh they want to get from the audience at every moment. It’s a unique position that can lead to a really cohesive and powerful show.

Of course, the director doesn't work alone. The show's designer is Helen Coyston, who is responsible for the entire look of the production, from the sets that create Molly’s world to the costumes the cast will wear. Then there's the lighting designer, Mark ‘Tigger’ Johnson, whose job is to use light to create atmosphere, whether it’s the cosy glow of Christmas Eve or the spooky shadows of a wicked fairy’s curse. And you can’t forget the casting director, Sarah Hughes CDG.

The casting director is the person who searches far and wide to find the perfect actors for each role, like Jacob Butler and the rest of the talented cast. Together, this expert team, led by director Nick Lane, is building the world of this unique Sleeping Beauty from the ground up.

How to get your tickets for this festive dream

Ready to join Molly on her big Christmas adventure? This production of Sleeping Beauty is set to be a highlight of the festive season in Scarborough. The show will be running at the Stephen Joseph Theatre from Saturday, 29 November to Wednesday, 31 December 2025, giving everyone plenty of time to catch it during the Christmas holidays. A special press performance is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 December at the slightly earlier time of 7pm.

Getting your hands on tickets is easy. You can book them directly through the theatre's box office. Either give the box office a call on 01723 370541 or head over to their website at www.sjt.uk.com to book online. Booking in advance is probably a good idea, as Christmas shows at this beloved theatre are always popular. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a fun date night, or just a way to get into the festive spirit, this show promises to deliver. Don't miss out on what sounds like a hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly magical Christmas theatre experience.