BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay has been announced as the first cast member of Bromley Churchill Theatre's pantomime Sleeping Beauty this Christmas and New Year. Tickets have already gone on sale, with a handful of dates showing only a few seats left and prices ranging from £28 to £64.
Vernon Kay's panto experience
One of the UK's most popular broadcasters, Vernon has spent more than two decades fronting hit shows including All Star Family Fortunes, Splash!, Just The Two of Us and Comic Relief. It won't be the Family Fortunes presenter's first foray into pantomime. Vernon earned rave reviews when he made his panto debut as Dandini in Cinderella at the Wycombe Swan in 2022, going on to win the 'Best Panto Newcomer' prize at the British Pantomime Awards. Two years later, he returned to the Wycombe Swan stage as part of the cast for Aladdin.
Vernon said: "Once you’ve caught the panto bug, there’s no going back! I absolutely loved my time in High Wycombe, so when the chance came to head to Bromley this Christmas it was an easy ‘yes’. I love the madness of panto - the singing, the laughs, the audience shouting back at you, and seeing families make Christmas memories together. I’m already counting down the days and promise we’ll have plenty of fun. Oh yes we will!"
Production details
Lorna Strawson, the Churchill’s Theatre Director, added: "We are beyond thrilled to share that the fabulous Vernon Kay will be making his Bromley Panto debut this year in Sleeping Beauty. His glittering stage presence and dazzling smile will add even more sparkle to an already magical show. We can’t wait for everyone in the land of Bromley to be laughing at his cheeky jokes and delighting in his high energy panto performances!"
Vernon currently hosts BBC Radio 2's weekday Mid-Morning Show and the new Dance Sounds of the 90s show on Saturday nights, along with travelling the country with his Dance Sounds of the 90s Live Tour. In 2023 he raised more than £6 million for BBC Children in Need by completing an ultra-ultramarathon from Leicester to Bolton.
Produced by the award-winning Imagine Theatre, Sleeping Beauty will be packed with dazzling costumes and scenery, side-splitting laughs and show-stopping tunes. This production promises festive fun for all ages. Special effects will be provided by Burnt Toast FX.
Performance schedule
Sleeping Beauty plays at Bromley's Churchill Theatre from December 5 until January 3, 2027. Tickets are available for purchase, with prices ranging from £28 to £64.
