"IT is going to be the most spectacular pantomime Grimsby has ever seen ... there will be a four metre dragon!"
These are the words of Grimsby actress Julie Peasgood who plays the good fairy Azuriel in Sleeping Beauty.
She arrived with the rest of the cast in tow at the Grimsby Auditorium, ready to start rehearsing yesterday, and she is "so excited" as it is her first pantomime.
The Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and Brookside star is used to being on the television screen but not on stage.
She said: "It's great that my first panto is in my home town.
"Rehearsals have been intense learning lines, songs and routines in a short space of time.
"I am very nervous, but excited at the same time."
Juile said she "really enjoys" the festive pantomime season.
"It's the time of year when families get together and enjoy a festive and silly show," she added.
"I visited Reynolds Academy and the young children thought I was an actual fairy.
"It's amazing to see the power of pantomime!"
Kate Winney, 23, from Humberston, who now lives in London, is another local actress who is in the show.
She plays Prince Valiant.
"I enjoy playing a male and I have a lot of action in it," she said.
"It's nice to be back home at the Auditorium. When I was little I used to perform in the pantomimes – it was great fun.
"It was a bit of a shock to see my face on a huge billboard advertising the show.
"With it being in my home town everyone recognises me."
Playing Sleeping Beauty is Hollie Anne Cartwright, 26.
She said: "I have acted in two pantomimes and last year was Sleeping Beauty too, but I played the good fairy.
"So it's nice to be the main character. I get to do a lot of sleeping though which is good!
"I love the traditional pantomime show. It's such great fun."
Bringing the silliness is Ste Johnston, 27, who plays Josh The Jester.
"It's the first time I have been to Grimsby and I think it's beautiful ... I can't wait to try the fish and chips," Ste said.
"I have been advised to try Steel's in Cleethorpes."
Ste said the Jester enjoys inventing silly things.
"He invents a time machine to transport Sleeping Beauty in time," Ste added.
"It's definitely his main love, inventing things which don't turn out right."
This year tickets have been reduced to make it more affordable for everyone. They are £13 and on the opening shows at 10am and 7pm on Friday, December 13, tickets are £9.50. It runs until Sunday, December 29 and times range from 10am, 2pm and 6.30pm. To book tickets visit the Auditorium, call 0844 871 3016 or visit www.atgtickets.com/grimsby
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