A SOCIALLY distanced pantomime is to be stage at The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton this Christmas.

Sleeping Beauty will star household names Joe Pasquale and Lesley Joseph.

The production is with thanks to support from The National Lottery.

Also in the cast are iconic female impersonator Ceri Dupree and musical theatre leading lady Sarah Earnshaw.

Read more: Shanklin Theatre to stage a pantomime

The show will play from Saturday, December 19, for a limited two-week run.

Comedian and actor Joe Pasquale will lead the cast in the role of Princess Beauty’s best friend, Muddles.

Birds of a Feather legend Lesley Joseph joins him as the evil Carabosse and the actor is no stranger to pantomime, starring in one every festive season.

Joining Joe and Lesley as Queen Passionella will be cabaret star Ceri Dupree, who has delighted audiences worldwide for almost 30 years with his unique vocal, comic and costuming talents, which have seen him perform in musical theatre, pantomime, summer season, television and cabaret in the UK and across the world.

Starring as The Enchantress is West End star Sarah Earnshaw.

They will be joined by local actress Georgia Carr as Sleeping Beauty.

Michael Ockwell, Mayflower Theatre chief executive, said: “I am delighted that during these challenging times, we are able to bring much needed uplifting entertainment to Southampton with Sleeping Beauty.

"Thanks to our producers, Qdos Entertainment and The National Lottery, our audiences will be able to enjoy a safe socially distanced pantomime for the whole family this year.

"Audiences can look forward to something very special for the festive season. Christmas is ON in Southampton!"

The previously advertised production of Cinderella will be staged in 2021 and existing bookers have already been contacted with details of their new tickets.

Tickets for Sleeping Beauty go on sale on Thursday, October 29, at 10am, from mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.