Nottingham Playhouse’s legendary pantomime seeks young performers to join the cast of Sleeping Beauty
Prepare to be spellbound by this year’s legendary Nottingham Playhouse pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, written and directed by Adam Penford, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse.
Adam is working with theatre designer Cleo Pettitt once again, whose glittering sets and fabulous costumes bring the festive magic, the talented John Morton, in his 36th year as Musical Director and Rosanna Bates returns as dynamic choreographer.
Nottingham Playhouse are now seeking young performers from Nottingham and the surrounding area, who reflect the rich diversity of the community, to form the Young Chorus who will perform alongside the professional actors in the panto, including the renowned John Elkington as the dame.
To apply, you must be aged between 9 and 15 years old as of Saturday 25 October 2025 and be available for rehearsals and performances in Nottingham from 3 November 2025 to 17 January 2026. No prior performing experience is needed, just lots of enthusiasm, energy and commitment.
A workshop audition will be held on Sunday 15 June 2025 to select two teams of six young people, plus two reserves, to appear onstage as the Young Chorus. Please note that there are limited places available for the workshop audition. If audition slots become full before the closing date, a waiting list will be started. The closing date to apply is Sunday 25 May at 5pm.
Adam Penford, Artistic Director, said:
“The Young Chorus has been an integral part of the Playhouse panto for decades. In recent years, we’ve made it more accessible by holding open auditions and found more roles for them to perform within the production. We have lots of fun on the Open Audition Day itself. There’s so much talent across the region and it’s always really tough deciding on the final selection. You don’t need lots of stage experience for this, it’s more important that we see your energy and enthusiasm.”
Nathan Hayward, who took part as one of the Young Chorus in Jack and the Beanstalk last year, said:
“Being a part of panto is a great experience, it really brought out all of my creativity. It’s a wonderful chance to see what goes on behind the scenes. I am truly grateful to Nottingham Playhouse. Panto is a big part of Christmas and you could be the person that helps create the Christmas wonder.”
Nottingham Playhouse welcomes applications from young people with access requirements, which can be detailed as part of the application. For further information and details on how to apply, visit the website.
Outraged at not being invited to the Princess’s party, the evil Maleficent casts a spell that sends the Princess and her whole kingdom into a deep sleep, when she pricks her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel. As they snooze, a tangled forest springs up around them. Only one thing can break the curse – the magic of true love! Enter our Prince, who must battle through the thorns, and work with the Princess to defeat the wicked fairy.
It’s going to be panto pandemonium in a show bursting with jaw-dropping costumes, dazzling effects, and sprinkled with magical mayhem. Comedy chaos will be provided by Nottingham’s favourite panto dame John Elkington in this festive spectacular beyond your wildest dreams!
Posted on 12 May 2025
