COLCHESTER'S prized venue has announced the cast for its eagerly-anticipated upcoming festive show.

Mercury Theatre's Christmas pantomine will take on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, and it will be performed from November 25 to January 14. 

Directed by Ryan McBryde and written by Guy Unsworth, the side-splitting adaptation of follows princess Aurora, who is cursed to sleep for 100 years before being awakened by her true love's kiss. 

Previous pantomine legends and cheeky duo, Dale Superville and Antony Stuart-Hicks, will return to the stage with their witty quips and amazing humour.

Dale will play Spud and Antony will play Dame Maris Piper.

Returning stars from last year's pantomine, Beauty and the Beast, also include actors Philip Catchpole as Prince Istuna, Matthew Forbes as Polo and Shelby Speed as Nick Brittain.

Joining the show will also be Sasha Latoya as Fairy Fizz, Jaimie Pruden as Carabosse and Alexandra Barredo as Luna.

Ryan McBryde, Mercury’s artistic director, said: “Sitting in a packed auditorium with everyone from the youngest children to the oldest grandparents all having an absolute ball of a time, is one of the most rewarding experiences a creative director can have.

"Pantomime is often a child’s first ever encounter with theatre, so it’s incredibly important to us at the Mercury that they have the best time imaginable.

"We can’t wait to welcome back our loyal audiences for our all-singing, all-dancing, gigglefest production of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.”

Tickets for the production are on sale at: mercurytheatre.co.uk.