The classic tale of true love's kiss comes to town in pantomime form for the first time in 46 years.

Lee Redwood tells Joanna Davis what theatregoers can expect from Sleeping Beauty at Weymouth Pavilion this Christmas.

It's that time of year again. Oh yes it is!

Weymouth's family pantomime Sleeping Beauty will begin tomorrow (9) and continues until January 1.

Following the record breaking success of both last year’s Christmas pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk and the swashbuckling summer pantomime Pirates of the Pavilion, Made-to-Measure Productions are delighted be returning to the resort with this enchanting pantomime.

Last year 17,000 people saw Jack and the Beanstalk at Weymouth Pavilion during its run over Christmas and New Year. Audience number increased from an average of 10,000 people who viewed pantomime productions at the Pavilion when it was run by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

The theatre is now community owned and thriving and recently attracted a run of touring West End musical Our House.

This will be the first professional pantomime production of Sleeping Beauty at Weymouth Pavilion since 1971 and is said to be the most spectacular and magical show yet.

It features stunning scenery, incredible illusions, toe-tapping music, projected sequences and even a magical snowstorm across the audience.

Weymouth’s Favourite Dame Lee Redwood will be playing the role of Queen Thelma. Sleeping Beauty will mark Lee’s fifth Christmas Pantomime at the Pavilion playing the Dame and audiences can expect this year’s costumes and wigs to be more fabulous than ever before.

Once again, Lee will also be writing and directing the show.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in Weymouth again for Christmas this year!

"I just love everything that happens in the town over the festive period – where else can you ‘Chase the Pudding’ along the beach, or watch hundreds of people jump in the harbour on Christmas morning?

It’s fantastic! We’ve got an absolute belter of a show this year – Sleeping Beauty hasn’t been performed in Weymouth professionally in nearly 50 years so I’m over the moon to be bringing it back this Christmas!

"There are so many things to look forward to in the production this year, but I’m most excited about the special effects – there’s nothing more magical than watching a child’s face as they realise it’s snowing all around them…inside the theatre! Don’t miss it!”

Martine Burt is this year's choreographer and assistant director, Dave Tozer is in charge of lighting design and the Twins FX are looking after visual effects.

Chris Cole, marketing manager for the Weymouth Pavilion said: “Everyone at the Pavilion is looking forward to another bumper pantomime season – it’s become part of Christmas now - you have the turkey, the mistletoe…and the Weymouth pantomime!

"Last year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk is going to be a tough act to follow, but having seen the plans for this year’s Sleeping Beauty, I’ve absolutely no doubt that we’ll have another record breaking success on our hands this December!”

Joining Lee for the third time is Gwynfryn West who returns to Weymouth as Muddles, the hilarious Court Jester! With his wacky, madcap comedy audiences are sure to be rolling in the aisles – and remember…”Don’t touch the phone, leave the phone alone!”

Get ready to boo and hiss at the sensational Yvonne Patterson who plays the evil fairy, Carabosse! Will her curse become reality? Only one person can stop her – the fabulously hilarious Fairy Snowflake, played by Michelle Whitney, who’ll be sprinkling some sparkle over Weymouth to ensure that our heroes get that fabled happy ending after all! Michelle is no stranger to the Weymouth Pavilion stage, having played the role of Dorothy in a Christmas production of The Wizard of Oz back in 2009.

The pantomime cast is also delighted to be welcoming Gemma Davis as the resident choreographer and assistant company manager.

Many of us are familiar with the tale of Sleeping Beauty. But this Weymouth pantomime delivers it with traditional and comic aplomb. There are even some tongue in cheek local references - and of course Prince Daniel of Dorchester riding in to the rescue!

On the day of Princess Briar Rose’s christening, the evil Carabosse – scorned by being left out of the celebrations - bestows an evil curse upon the baby girl, foretelling that before the Princess’ 21st Birthday, she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die! Only the fabulous Fairy Snowflake can help out and try to rewrite her fate!

Of course, no pantomime would be complete without an abundance of comedy, so expect ridiculous antics with hilarious consequences from Queen Thelma and King Raymond, along with the court jester Muddles!

Will Prince Daniel of Dorchester be able to break the curse with True Loves Kiss? Will Carabosse’s curse reign forever? Will Queen Thelma fit through the door with her outrageous frocks?

Lee and Chris are keeping their lips sealed - their message to theatregoers is they'll have to come along to watch this year's pantomime to find out for themselves!

*Sleeping Beauty, Weymouth Pavilion, Saturday, December 9 to Monday, January 1. There are morning, afternoon and evening performances. Call the box office for tickets and more information or see weymouthpavilion.com