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New Victoria Theatre Woking launches its pantomime of dreams Sleeping Beauty at De Vere Horsley Estate
10th October 2024
The star-studded cast of New Victoria Theatre Woking’s pantomime of dreams Sleeping Beauty came together for the first time to launch this year’s production. The event offered a glimpse into what promises to be a spellbinding panto for Woking, filled with laughter, magic, and unforgettable moments.
Led by a trio of panto legends – stage, screen, and panto royalty Christopher Biggins as The Spirit of Dreams, Steps sensation and musical theatre star Faye Tozer as Carabosse, and Richard Cadell (with his iconic friend Sooty!) as Muddles – this star-studded cast will bring joy to Woking this festive season. Joining them are Rhiane Drummond as The Princess, Will Richardson as The Prince, Brenda Longman as The Queen, and James Paterson as The King.
The photocall took place inside the mansion’s stunning secret chapel, where colourful stained-glassed windows and beautifully tiled cloisters added to the day’s magic.
Cast and Charity Interaction
As part of a long-standing tradition at the New Victoria Theatre, the opening night of Sleeping Beauty will welcome children with special needs and their families for an evening of fun-filled entertainment. Gordon and Ann Parris MBE, founders of the Children with Special Needs Foundation, have generously purchased all the seats in the auditorium for this special night. During the press launch, the cast was delighted to accept a donation cheque from the couple, covering the cost of every seat and symbolising their unwavering support for this remarkable cause.
TikTok Fun
Never one to miss a trend, Christopher Biggins embraced the latest TikTok craze: “When the Gen-Z marketer writes your script”, showing that panto royalty can truly “slay”.
A Wedding Surprise
Friday 27th September wasn’t only a magical day for the cast of Sleeping Beauty – it also marked a special occasion for bride-to-be Deborah Hunt. Celebrating her wedding at De Vere Horsley Estate, Deborah couldn’t believe her luck when she discovered the dazzling cast on-site. Seizing the moment, she wrangled her bridesmaids for a once-in-a-lifetime photo-op before walking down the aisle to marry her fiancé Adrian.
“We had the most magical day, and meeting the cast was just surreal, but equally brilliant”, said the now happily married Mrs Smith.
“We are coming to see Sleeping Beauty with the family on Christmas Eve, which the children are very excited about! But now it will be even more special for them, knowing their Mum got to meet the cast of her wedding day!”
De Vere Staff welcome panto stars
The team at De Vere Horsley Estate were all smiles as they got the chance to snap a few fun photos with the cast of Sleeping Beauty, adding a touch of festive cheer to their workday.
With rehearsals starting soon, excitement is building as Sleeping Beauty prepares to take the stage at New Victoria Theatre Woking from Friday 6th December 2024 until Sunday 5th January 2025.
“What a fabulous Panto Press Day at De Vere Horsley Estate for Sleeping Beauty at New Victoria Theatre Woking! I’m already obsessed with the panto family I’ll be sharing the stage with this year – it’s going to be a BELTER!!!” said Faye Tozer.