Buxton Opera House Announces Sleeping Beauty Principal Cast and Creative Team

Buxton Opera House today announces the principal cast and full creative team for their 2026 pantomime, Sleeping Beauty which plays from Fri 4 Dec 2026 – Sat 2 Jan 2027. Tickets are on sale now: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/sleeping-beauty-2026.

Starring in this year’s production are a whole host of familiar faces! Buxton’s hilarious dame James Holmes returns in his 11th year, alongside Opera House favourites Georgia Gallagher (Cinderella, 2023, Sleeping Beauty, 2022) and Ross Clifton (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2026; Evita, 2025, Little Shop of Horrors, 2023; Cinderella, 2023; Sleeping Beauty, 2022). Rounding out the principal cast are Catherine Pugh (Jesus Christ Superstar, 2025; Company, 2025; Jack and the Beanstalk, 2025; Evita, 2024) and Jamie Davis-Fletcher (Little Shop of Horrors, 2023) who makes his professional debut.

Sleeping Beauty is directed by Buxton Opera House CEO Paul Kerryson, produced by Sarah Kell, Tracey Iliffe returns as Choreographer, Richard Atkinson as Arrangements & Musical Supervisor, Rickey Long as Musical Director, Tom Davis as Lighting Designer, Eoin O’Grady as Sound Designer, with costumes designed by Abigail Caywood, and scenery provided by Scenic Set Design.

LISTINGS

SLEEPING BEAUTY
Fri 4 Dec 2026 – Sat 2 Jan 2027

Buxton Opera House

When the Princess falls under a wicked curse and into a 100-year slumber, her happily-ever-after seems lost forever. But with the help of a handsome Prince, a good fairy, and plenty of panto mischief, can true love’s kiss save the day?

Expect a sensational cast, glittering costumes, and toe-tapping tunes – all wrapped up in the pantomime magic you know and love.

Wed 9 Dec, 5.30pm         Relaxed Performance

Sat 12 Dec, 1pm               Captioned Performance

Sun 20 Dec, 5.30pm        Audio Described Performance

Sun 27 Dec, 5.30pm        British Sign Language Interpreted Performance

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Box Office

www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

01298 72190

Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN

Tickets: From £15

The team also includes Richard Brookes (Sound Number 1), Pete Cirillo (Interim Head of Technical), Gregor Reid (Company Stage Manager), Caitlin Ravenscroft (Deputy Stage Manager), Dani White (Assistant Stage Manager/Book Cover), Helena Foundoukis (Costume and Wardrobe Supervisor), Jazz Rose (Costume Assistant), and Meg Jordan (Costume Assistant & Personal Dresser to James Holmes). Andy Brotherton (Percussion), and Johnny Wells (Bass) complete the band.

Buxton Opera House CEO and Sleeping Beauty director, Paul Kerryson, said “There is something truly magical about bringing a cast together where all our principal performers share a history with our stage. This year’s line-up is packed with faces that Buxton audiences already know and love – from James Holmes marking his 11^th year as Dame, to Georgia Gallagher and Ross Clifton reuniting to lead the show, Catherine Pugh bringing her signature villainy after 2024’s Jack and the Beanstalk, and Jamie Davis-Fletcher making his professional debut after leading our 2023 community production of Little Shop of Horrors. Joined by the brilliant creative team behind our recent in-house pantomimes, and backed by a live band, this incredible team is set to deliver a whole heap of panto magic this festive season. We can’t wait!”

Sleeping Beauty is generously supported by Taylor Emmet Solicitors and sponsored by The Palace Hotel, Buxton.