Sleeping Beauty

A fresh take on an old favourite this December as Contact line up a magical new production of Sleeping Beauty. Following up last year’s critically acclaimed Rumpelstiltskin, production company The Big Tiny return to Contact’s Oxford Road castle with another festive panto from director and playwright Ben Richards.

The company were dubbed “The Best Little Panto in the Country” by the Manchester Evening News, coming with a track record of bringing imaginative Christmas theatre made of big laughs, inventive storytelling and original music. Last year’s Rumpelstiltskin picked up an array of five star reviews and a nomination for Best Pantomime (Under 550 Seats) at the The Pantomime Awards 2026.

Of course, Sleeping Beauty is another timeless classic: the tale of a princess who pricks her finger and is cursed to sleep until awakened by her true love’s kiss. It has roots that can be traced back centuries, along with countless adaptations, including the famous 1959 Disney film. The Big Tiny’s version promises Sleeping Beauty with all of the audience interaction and festive fun that pantomime audiences expect… and a Mancunian twist.

Alongside the usual panto mirth and magic, Richards explains that “the jokes are written for the people of Manchester about Manchester… About those shops over there, about this pub, this community. We’ve got such a rich diverse culture and community, and we are people who want to come together and make art and celebrate Christmas together.”

Returning for the 2026 panto are Shanon Farrell as Sleeping Beauty herself and Joshua Radcliffe as Prince Toby, following appearances as Princess Maria and Prince Dierdrick in Rumpelstiltskin. Liz Carney is the wicked fairy Carabosse, with Samuel Chisnall as Chester the Jester and Rebecca McAuley as the fairy Pixel. While proving the show’s local bonafides, The Big Tiny Artistic Director and Sleeping Beauty producer Will Cousins stars as Nanny Ancoats.

Sleeping Beauty runs from 10 – 31 December at Contact and features all of the magical fairies and evil villains you’d expect, plus ample opportunity to boo, cheer and hiss. Look out for a range of Relaxed, BSL interpreted, school and adults-only performances. The Big Tiny and Contact have planned a show with broad appeal, meaning this is a perfect festive trip out for families, seasoned panto enthusiasts and first-timers alike.