THE Christmas pantomime at The Anvil this year is the magical Sleeping Beauty, which opens on Thursday, December 9, and runs until Sunday, January 2, 2011.

Sleeping Beauty is a wonderful story which contains everything required for a truly traditional family pantomime.

This spectacular new production – starring Wendy Craig, Abi Titmuss and Andrew Agnew– features not only lavish sets and costumes, but also dazzling special effects, which see the Prince fly through time, the enchanted castle grow before your very eyes, only to be covered in thorns, and the Bad Fairy transform herself into an enormous fire-breathing dragon.

The title role is being played by Sarah Louise Da, who will also be choreographing the dance pieces. Sarah, who is originally from Basingstoke, has choreographed and appeared in many pantomimes including Jack and the Beanstalk at The Anvil in 2004.

Her charming Prince is being played by Shaun Daulton, who has played Prince in various pantomimes across the country and toured with several musicals, including Bill Kenwright’s tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Shaun, pictured with Sarah, said: “Panto is great fun. Even though it’s hard work, I have always considered it an actor’s holiday, especially with the Christmas spirit.”

Nick Wilton will be playing the role of dame Nurse Nelly and the production is being directed by Morris Lane.

Martyn Cooper is returning to Basingstoke as musical director and the lighting design is by Stephen Holroyd, who recently worked on The Anvil Arts production of Oh What a Lovely War.

Having teamed up with top producers UK Productions once again, Sleeping Beauty – which is being sponsored by Gazette Newspapers – promises to be full of singing, dancing, fun and laughter to get audiences of all ages into the Christmas spirit.