PANTO season has hit Basingstoke as the cast of this year’s production at the Anvil got into character for the first time on Monday. 

The classic tale of Sleeping Beauty will be brought to life by a star-studded cast including Sue Holderness playing the bad fairy Carabosse, Katrina Bryan as Princess Briar Rose and Ben Harlow as the Prince. 

The cast pulled on their costumes for first time as rehearsals get underway, and already there is a fun feel around the camp. 

“When you are working with people so closely for such a long time, especially over Christmas, you become a tight knit family, “ Prince Ben Harlow told The Gazette.

“There is something really wonderful about pantomimes, you can really gage audience’s reactions and they are fun for anyone from eight-years-old to 80 years old.” 

For Katrina Bryan, best known for her role as Nina in CBeebies Nina and the Neurons, it is a return to a familiar role and keeping tradition alive. 

She said: “This is the role I have played the most in pantos and it is something I love going back to. 

“I get to sing and dance in this show, which I don’t get to do much in other acting jobs I am cast in but I absolutely love it.”

She added: “There is a great tradition when it comes to pantomimes and it seems to really get people into the Christmas spirit, and for us as the cast it brings everyone closer together when they might be away from their families.”

The Anvil will be pulling out all the stops with songs, a live musical score, special effects and event have Sue Holderness of Only Fools and Horses fame flying across the stage. 

And Sue believes that this year will be the year evil prevails.

“Everyone thinks the Princess will marry the Prince, but I will marry him as he loves me,” Carabosse told The Gazette.

"I think this year will be the year that evil will win the day, you will just have to come along and find out for yourself.” 

Sleeping Beauty will be running at the Anvil from December 8 to January 17, to book tickets call 01256 844244 or visit anvilart.org.uk