Production Hire

Joe Pasquale and Ray Quinn star in a New Production of Sleeping Beauty at Birmingham Hippodrome

Joe Pasquale returns to Birmingham Hippodrome this Christmas to head up the cast of the UK’s biggest Pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. Joe will be joined by Xfactor and Dancing on Ice star, Ray Quinn.

Joe will play Muddles in Sleeping Beauty marking his third Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime. In 2004 he broke box office records in Jack and the Beanstalk at the theatre, and a year later returned triumphantly in Peter Pan. One of the UK’s best-loved comedians and entertainers, Joe has hosted TV’s The Price is Right and toured extensively across the UK to sell-out audiences in his solo show.

Twenty year old Ray Quinn, in the role of The Prince, appeared in the final of The X-Factor in 2007. He then released his first album - Doing It My Way - which went straight to the number one position in the UK charts. He is currently partnering professional ice skater Maria Filippov in Dancing on Ice and is favourite to win the fourth series of the hugely popular television show. Ray has also appeared in Channel 4’s Brookside as well as in Merseybeat and Doctors. In 2008 he appeared in the West End production of Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre.

This year’s Birmingham Hippodrome production was to have been Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. But following last year’s success with the new title Robin Hood, Qdos Pantomimes, the world’s largest pantomime producer, decided to bring the city yet another new production with the enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty. The outstanding family Christmas show will see the return of spectacular 3D effects, last seen at the Hippodrome in Aladdin, with an array of visual wizardry weaved magically into the story. See the forest of thorns grow around the castle in amazing 3D and join Joe on a sensational 3D rollercoaster through the enchanted forest and castle!

Sleeping Beauty will also star the outrageous Ceri Dupree as Lady Passionella who has the largest wardrobe of stunningly glamorous costumes ever to grace the Hippodrome stage!

Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Pantomimes and Director of Sleeping Beauty, said:

“We are thrilled that Ray, who will no doubt have the girls screaming in the aisles, is joining the cast of the country’s biggest Christmas show. And we’re delighted that Joe Pasquale, who has smashed box office records wherever he has performed, will be returning to Birmingham. With Joe’s antics, outstanding comedy, high energy - plus a few surprises - no one will dare fall asleep during this new production of Sleeping Beauty!”

Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, Stuart Griffiths added:

“Pantomime is truly at home in Birmingham and we are delighted to be welcoming a glittering cast to entertain the whole family. Sleeping Beauty is a brand new production and we are very excited with what Joe and Ray have in store for us.”

Sleeping Beauty opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 19 December 2009 and runs until Sunday 31 January 2010. Tickets, currently frozen at 2008 pantomime prices, are £13-£30. Tickets can be booked online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by ringing 0844 338 5000. Groups 0844 338 7000 (calls vary from 5p per min, transaction fee 3% online, 6% counter and phone). Perf times: Eves and mat times vary, please enquire when booking. Sunday performances.