WAKEY wakey! Tickets for the Alhambra Theatre’s next pantomime Sleeping Beauty are now on sale.

Billy Pearce has again been signed up to lead the cast of the Bradford theatre’s pantomime running December 12 to January 24.

Panto legend and comedian Billy Pearce will return to star as Muddles, best friend and loyal companion to the beautiful Princess.

A spokesman said: “Side-splittingly funny, Billy will bring his trademark mad-cap comedy and boundless energy to the stage and will have audiences laughing in the aisles.

“Join Billy in a magical adventure where the lovely Princess Aurora pricks her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel given to her by her evil godmother Carabosse and is placed under a cruel curse forcing her to sleep for one hundred years.

“Will true love win the day and can the handsome Prince Charming break the spell? Will the princess’ best friend Muddles help save the town and who will outwit the evil Enchantress and foil her wicked plans?”

Yorkshire-born Billy has been a staple on the comedy scene since his early days on the northern club circuit.

He came to national prominence when he appeared on TV’s New Faces in 1986 and was quickly snapped up for stage and TV appearances, including five Children’s Royal Variety shows and three Royal Variety shows.

Billy has been awarded Services to Arts and Entertainment at the Yorkshire awards, previously won by the Kaiser Chiefs and Alan Ayckbourn and has been given the Pride of Yorkshire award.

Billy has worked with many panto greats including Lisa Riley, Joe McElderry, Darren Day and Christopher Biggins at the Alhambra Theatre, as last year he celebrated his 21st panto season at the venue.

Adam Renton, general manager of Bradford Theatres, said: “Sleeping Beauty is a new pantomime title for us at the Alhambra Theatre, and with Billy at the helm once again, there’s no doubt that theatregoers of all ages will thoroughly enjoy another exceptional panto in Bradford this year.

“The region’s audiences have huge affection for the Alhambra Theatre’s festive production and with our reputation for providing outstanding entertainment for all ages, I’m sure that people will choose Sleeping Beauty as their Christmas treat.”

Sleeping Beauty is produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and is directed by Ed Curtis, Qdos’ Creative Director, who promises magic, music, comedy and special effects.

More than 77,000 people visited last year’s panto. Call 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk to book tickets.