The search is on to find children aged eight and over to perform in the panto Sleeping Beauty at Carlisle's Sands Centre this Christmas.

Open auditions are being held at the venue on Sunday, September 17.

The day will host sessions for eight- to 11- year-olds at 12.30pm (with registration from midday) and 12- to 15-year-olds at 3pm (registration from 2.30pm).

This year, there will also be auditions for local dancers aged 16-plus, which will take place on the morning of Sunday, September 17, at 10am with registration starting from 9.30am. There is no upper age limit to audition to perform in this year’s panto.

The Sands is also searching for a local female performer to play the title role of Sleeping Beauty.

Women aged 18 plus, will be auditioned on Saturday, September 16, at 10.30am with registration from 10am at The Sands. Recalls will take place the following day.

Producer Jezz Weatherall said: “We’re looking for local performers with dance experience and a strong jazz technique to be the dancers in Sleeping Beauty alongside our professional cast.

“Auditionees should bring appropriate clothing and footwear on the day and also be available to rehearse every Sunday from October 22 onwards, as well as performing in the pantomime itself in December.”

The panto will star Lee Brennan, lead singer with 911 and former EastEnders favourite Cheryl Fergison, who played Heather Trott.


Tickets are available from the box office. The show runs from December 11 to 31.