Panto villain Laura Judge’s happy return to Rotherham

The actress, whose family still live in the town where she grew up, will play  wicked fairy Carabosse in the Rotherham Civic pantomime Sleeping Beauty this weekend.

Speaking after the show’s principal case was revealed this week, Laura (pictured) said: “My very first appearance on stage was aged seven at Rotherham Civic Theatre in a production of The White Horse Inn, as a goat girl — very cute! 

“Before I went to drama school in London, I did a fabulous performing arts course at Rotherham College, which sparked in me the desire to perform professionally and set the ball rolling so I am delighted to be stepping back on to the stage in Rotherham this Christmas.

“I adore playing Carabosse! I love her drama, her glamour, the sarcastic malevolence of her but also her dark humour. 

“She is the ultimate evil diva and I can’t wait to be back playing her.”

Former X-Factor star Andy Abraham had already been announced in the role of King Hugo and will also be joined by Tim Freeman as Nanny Annie, Kevin McGreevy as Muddles the Jester, Georgina Newton as Princess Rosa and Azurial, Joshua Ford as Prince Valiant and Vicky Field as Grunge. 

Tim, who is making his Rotherham debut, said: “I’ve heard great things about Rotherham Civic Theatre and I’m looking forward to discovering somewhere new.

“What's there to do for a young dame about town?”

Tim has played the dame many times and said he loved the role.

“I've found that if you put on an outrageous frock and some subtle makeup you can get away with anything,” he said.

“I love having fun with the audience and cast and trying to make each performance unique! Anything can happen.

“I’ve worked with Kev, who is playing Muddles, for a number of years and cannot wait to be reunited with him again this Christmas. 

“I think we have a similar sense of humour and share a little taste for mischief. 

“We both love it when we can catch each other out and maybe share a cheeky joke with the audience — even better if we can make other cast members giggle.”

Georgina said the two parts she was playing are completely different characters. 

“I’ve never had to multi-role before so I want to make it my Christmas mission that the audience have no idea that both parts are me,” she said.

“I love panto and my favourite thing about it is the children. 

“It’s the first piece of theatre most youngsters get to see and I love to hear the cheers and screams and see their faces light up with wonder at the music, the costumes and the characters.

“Christmas isn’t Christmas without a good old pantomime and it's an absolute privilege to be a part of the magic.”

Sleeping Beauty runs from November 29 until January 5 and tickets are available on 01709 823621 or from www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk.