One of the leading characters at this winter’s festive Palace Theatre pantomime says she is excited to be returning to the town.

Channel 5 Milkshake! children’s television presenter Amy Thompson last performed at the Mansfield theatre in 2015 and starred in the panto the previous year.

“I’m so excited to be coming back this Christmas,” she said. “I’ll be playing Sleeping Beauty, a role I’ve played four times before, so I obviously love it — and must be great at sleeping!

“I always remember the audiences to be fabulous in Mansfield, so warm and supportive and always up for a giggle. If anyone hasn’t bought tickets to Sleeping Beauty yet, why on Earth not! Get them booked today.

“It’s going to be a cracker of a show and it will be wonderful to have the theatres open again at Christmas.” 

When asked what she was most looking forward to about Sleeping Beauty and returning to the Palace Theatre, Amy said: “My favourite thing about panto is getting to dress up as a princess every day, as well as performing for all the fabulous Mansfield audiences.

“Christmas is my favourite time of the year. It still feels magical and it’s all about family time for me – even though I only get Christmas Day off!”

Amy, who appears on Milkshake! daily, will be spending Christmas Day with her family.

“I wouldn’t miss my mum’s Christmas dinner for anything,” she added.

Sleeping Beauty also stars comedian Adam Moss, a regular at the Palace panto, who will play Silly Billy, and Rebecca Wheatley, a well-known face on television’s Casualty who was the Vegetable Fairy in Jack And The Beanstalk at the theatre four years ago.

Adam said: “I missed you guys last year so I’ve got to make up for lost time. Let the mayhem begin.”

λ To buy tickets to the panto go to mansfieldpalacetheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows or call 01623 633133 or drop in at the theatre Box Office on Leeming Street.  The panto, which launched at the end of November, runs to 2nd January.