STAFFORD’S SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMIME SMASHES BOX OFFICE RECORDS

This year’s Stafford pantomime Sleeping Beauty is on course to become the most successful show in the history of the Gatehouse Theatre.

With more than 17,000 tickets sold so far, the fairy tale comedy adventure is set to attract just under 20,000 people to the Eastgate Street venue before the run closes on January 4.

Box Office receipts are expected to top £500,000 for the first time for a single production since the theatre opened in 1982.

The panto has been produced in association with Imagine Theatre, the country’s top pantomime production company, and has been drawing rave reviews from audiences and critics alike since opening on December 5.

CBBC legend Mark Rhodes, award-winning dame David Phipps-Davis and Welsh star Samantha Spragg all return this year, while the show has a new first-time director Scott LeCrass, who has introduced several new elements to give SLEEPING BEAUTY a fresh, modern feel while still retaining the traditional family elements.

The Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Jenny Barron, attended the Gala Performance and said: ‘It really is a wonderful, feel-good show. It’s a fantastic production, loads of laughs and something for all the family. Everyone should see it at the Gatehouse this year.’

Gatehouse General Manager Gary Stevens added: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to be giving so many people a great night out at a traditional family pantomime, packed full of jokes, music and laughter.

‘The production values are absolutely first class and it’s been a lot of planning, hard work and effort to create something so magical.’

Veteran critic David Banner gave the show a five star review and wrote: ‘With a bright new director (Scott LeCrass) at the helm, SLEEPING BEAUTY ticks all the boxes for a perfect family night out. It’s a traditional story, packed with heroes, villains, spectacular set-pieces and some super surprises, too.

‘It’s possibly the best panto I’ve seen in 30 years at the Gatehouse.’

Marketing Manager Keith Harrison said: ‘Each year, the pantomime just gets bigger – and better – than ever. The Gatehouse has been bucking national trends all year in terms of audience attendance, so to round off 2025 with another record-breaking run is the icing on the Christmas cake.’

Footfall is also at record levels with around 160,000 people visiting the venue. ‘It’s been an incredible year and we’d like to thank everyone who’s come along to see a show, attend an event or just pop in for a coffee,’ said Keith.

The Gatehouse Theatre is operated by Freedom Leisure, one of the UK’s leading charitable not-for-profit leisure trusts in partnership with Stafford Borough Council.

The pantomime runs to January 4 and tickets are available from 01785 619080 or click here.