Milton Keynes Theatre announce Sleeping Beauty starring Alexandra Burke and Sooty & Sweep for Christmas panto

Milton Keynes Theatre have announced details for their Christmas pantomime, which will feature pop star Alexandra Burke and kids TV puppets Sooty and Sweep.

The production of Sleeping Beauty will include Burke as the villain Carabosse, alongside TV and theatre star Richard Cadell as Muddles with his lovable friends Sooty and Sweep, and cabaret artist Ceri Dupree as Queen Passionella.

Sleeping Beauty runs at Milton Keynes Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027, with tickets now available from www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes and special ‘early birdrates available for ATG+ Members and group bookers until 31 March 2026.

As the classic tale unfolds and Princess Aurora falls under Carabosse’s wicked curse, Alexandra Burke will be a star performer as part of the production. Since winning X Factor, Burke has become a star singer of stage and pop music, having sold over 6 million records, saw a double platinum debut album Overcome that sold over 875,000 copies and earned three BRIT Award nominations, and has since seen her become one of the most sought-after West End leading ladies, having starred in The Bodyguard, Sister Act, Chess, Chicago and Michael Harrison’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at The London Palladium.

Her resume also includes receiving a BIFA nomination for her debut movie role in Pretty Red Dress and received a National Film Award in 2025 for her role in the six-part crime-drama series The Curfew, currently on Channel 5. Alexandra is about to originate the role of Chaka Khan in I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical, which opens in London’s West End this March.

Another confirmed performer is Richard Cadell, who is known to children nationwide as the presenter of the legendary The Sooty Show.

Richard started out as one of Britain’s top illusionists, appearing on stage and television all over the world, and he has also worked as a BBC Radio DJ and children’s television presenter on Sky TV.

Richard has now worked with Sooty for more than 20 years, writing and presenting over 100 television episodes. Sooty has been a family favourite for over seven decades, and The Sooty Show is currently the highest watched preschool show on ITV.

Panto dame and cabaret artist Ceri Dupree performs at venues across the UK. Ceri’s portrayal of Danny La Rue in Cilla achieved acclaim, and his extensive repertoire of theatre shows include Hello Dolly, Rock Hard 60s Tribute Show, Hot Stuff – the 70s Tribute Show, The Ultimate Hen Party, The Wizard of Oz and The Rocky Horror Show.

Sleeping Beauty is produced by the World’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes,
whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said, “I’m delighted to be bringing this exceptional cast to Milton Keynes for Sleeping Beauty.

“Alexandra Burke is a phenomenal performer who will make a truly wicked Carabosse! The much-loved Richard Cadell and Ceri Dupree are both panto gold and I can’t wait for audiences to see them in our MK panto this year.”

Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director at Milton Keynes Theatre, added, “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Alexandra Burke, Richard Cadell, Ceri Dupree and of course Sooty to the Milton Keynes Theatre stage for this year’s pantomime. They each bring incredible talent and energy, which will ensure an unforgettable festive experience for audiences of all ages.”