Joy Productions and Broadway Theatre are set to bring Sleeping Beauty back to Catford this year with an all-star cast and creative team.

Building on the success of 2023’s Jack and the Beanstalk, the new panto, is written and directed by panto legend Susie McKenna, and will be showing at the Broadway Theatre from December 4 to New Years Eve.

This year’s modern remix, a gothic fairytale with a 21st century twist, transports audiences to the magical kingdoms of Lewishtonia and Westminsteria.

The cast includes Roshani Abbey as Tahlia, the Sleeping Beauty, Justin Brett as Dame Nanny Nora, and Lisa Davina Phillip as the villain Carabosse.

Returning stars include Wayne Rollins, Durone Stokes, and Ben Fox.

With many of this year’s cast holding a connection to the area, this truly is a show rooted in Lewisham with a strong sense of place and belonging.

Both Durone Stokes and Lisa Hailing were born in Lewisham hospital.

Durone said: “This theatre was the first stage I ever performed on.  I used to do all my Saturday school shows here as a kid growing up.

“I came to see a variety show with my Mum and seeing an actor on stage playing the prince in Cinderella planted the seed.

“So, I have a real connection with Broadway Theatre, it’s a total homecoming.”

Infused with Susie's signature knockabout comedy style, colourful characters and political wit, Sleeping Beauty promises to resonate deeply with today's audiences, breathing new relevance into this well-known story.

The production blends tracks with original music to carry the audience on a journey through musical favourites, old and new, all the while championing a message of inclusivity and unity over division.

Susie explained “It’s so wonderful to be returning to Broadway Theatre with so many of last year’s cast and creative team alongside our amazing new additions to the family. I’m looking forward to celebrating Lewisham again and all it has to offer including the diverse audience who are always up for a party.”

The production will also feature more than 50 costumes designed by pantomime Costume Designer Lotte Collett.

The production is committed to offering at least 600 £1 tickets to local community groups.

This year also sees the return of the Talent Pipeline program aimed at nurturing and advancing careers in the theatre for Global Majority and/or Working-Class talent.

As part of the scheme, candidates are mentored by West End professionals and receive paid work placements on this production, using pantomime as a foundational training ground.

Placements are given in departments such as lighting, sound, costume, music and production and will provide a much-needed foot in the door in a climate in which theatre is becoming increasingly inaccessible as a career path.

Cllr Edison Huynh, Lewisham Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said: “We are excited to welcome our panto partners Joy Productions and Susie McKenna back to the Broadway for a second year.

“This new production of Sleeping Beauty is a fresh take on a classic tale that has been written especially for, and in celebration of, the local community.

“After the success of last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk we know, it will come sprinkled with that extra dose of festive magic.

“Panto is such an important Christmas tradition in Lewisham. We love the way it brings residents, of all ages, together to share in the joy of live performance. We hope as many people as possible, from across the borough, will join us at the Broadway for what will be a fantastic, lively, high-quality production.”