Sleeping Beauty preview

Christmas is coming to Milton Keynes, and this year’s production of Sleeping Beauty at Milton Keynes Theatre is bringing together a spectacular cast of panto favourites, West End talent and some very familiar faces.

Nancy Stevens caught up with the stars of the show at the official pantomime press day at Chicheley Hall, getting to know the people behind the characters and finding out what audiences can expect when the curtain goes up this festive season.

First up is an absolute pantomime legend – Christopher Biggins!

As a winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Great British Panto Awards, Christopher has become synonymous with the magic of pantomime. This year, he takes on the fabulous role of the Diva of Dreams in Sleeping Beauty.

Nancy caught up with Christopher during the press day to chat about his incredible career, his love of pantomime and what makes Crossroads Pantomimes productions so special. And, as you might expect, Nancy does her absolute best not to fangirl!

If you love theatre, Christmas magic and a good dose of festive fun, this is one interview you won't want to miss.

Next, Nancy caught up with another true star of pantomime – the fabulous Ceri Dupree.

Ceri is bringing her trademark glamour, comedy and theatricality to Milton Keynes Theatre this Christmas as Queen Passionella in Sleeping Beauty.

A legendary cabaret performer and panto favourite, Ceri joined Nancy at Chicheley Hall for the official press day, where they discovered they have a rather unexpected connection. Nancy actually gave Ceri's sister, the brilliant West End actress Ria Jones, a lift home when she was starring in Sunset Boulevard!

In this interview, Ceri talks about her career, pantomime and what audiences can expect when she takes to the stage as Queen Passionella.

Make sure you catch Ceri bringing her unique brand of glamour and comedy to Sleeping Beauty this festive season.

For many families, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without Sooty – and Nancy Stevens had the chance to meet the man behind the magic, Richard Cadell, along with his famous puppet companion.

Richard stars as Joey the Jester alongside Sooty in Sleeping Beauty, and Nancy caught up with them at Chicheley Hall during the official pantomime press day.

Having grown up in Zimbabwe, Nancy admits that she completely missed out on the Sooty phenomenon and had no idea just how much of a British television legend the yellow bear was. That quickly changed when everyone she spoke to ahead of the interview reacted with huge excitement at the prospect of meeting Richard and Sooty!

The conversation covers Richard's incredible career in magic and theatre, the unique experience of performing live and why the reaction of a pantomime audience is so special. And, of course, there is plenty of classic Sooty mischief – including an unexpected soaking from his famous water pistol!

Nancy also caught up with Natalie Chua, who is swapping the dramatic stages of the West End for a magical festive season as Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty at Milton Keynes Theatre.

Natalie is no stranger to performing big numbers, with an impressive career that includes powerhouse productions such as Miss Saigon and Les Misérables. This Christmas, however, she is trading tragic love stories for fairy godmothers, spinning wheels and plenty of panto fun!

Meeting at the Sleeping Beauty press day at Chicheley Hall, Nancy and Natalie enjoyed a lively chat about Natalie's love of pantomime and what it is like stepping into the iconic role of Princess Aurora.

Find out what Natalie is looking forward to most about bringing the character to life, and just how much sparkle, energy and charm she will be bringing to Milton Keynes this Christmas.

And finally, Nancy had the absolute honour of sitting down with Alexandra Burke, who will be taking on one of pantomime's most iconic villains – Carabosse.

The interview got off to a brilliant start when Alexandra immediately complimented Nancy's outfit and even asked for her Instagram! The pair soon found plenty to talk about, from fashion and styling secrets to the challenges busy mums face when it comes to finding something to wear.

But there was plenty of time to talk pantomime too. Alexandra gave Nancy an exclusive insight into preparing to play Carabosse, what it is like taking on such an iconic villain and why she is looking forward to audiences giving her plenty of boos this Christmas.

Alexandra also opened up about balancing her demanding performing career with being a busy mum.

And if you are a busy mum who, like Alexandra's friends, finds yourself staring at a wardrobe packed with clothes while feeling like you have absolutely nothing to wear, Nancy's styling books are officially open for the season!

Sleeping Beauty comes to Milton Keynes Theatre this Christmas, bringing together an incredible cast for a festive production packed with comedy, music, glamour, magic and plenty of pantomime fun.

Watch all of Nancy's interviews above and get to know some of the stars who will be bringing the story to life on stage.

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Connect with Nancy on @nancypersonalstylist

Outfit Details: Wearing the gorgeous @dreamsisterjane

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