Young Ensemble Open Auditions for Sleeping Beauty

Following the ★★★★★ success of 2024-25’s Jack and the Beanstalk, preparations are already well underway for the Towngate Theatre’s dreamy pantomime for 2025-26 – Sleeping Beauty! On Sunday 6 July 2025, they will once again be offering local children the opportunity to star in their upcoming sparkling panto production, which earns the Basildon-based theatre rave reviews year-on-year.

For anyone interested in participating, auditions will be held at the Towngate Theatre, located on St. Martin’s Square. They are open to boys and girls aged from 9 to 15 years, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Further information, including the Registration Form and Rehearsal and Performance Schedule, can be found under the Auditions section on the Towngate’s website.

Towngate Theatre Manager and Co-Producer, Simon Scott-Pearce, says:
“We are so excited to bring the magical tale of Sleeping Beauty to Essex! What really makes a pantomime extra special is the ‘sparkle’ that our talented Young Ensemble always bring to the stage. We can’t wait to see what the Essex youngsters have in store for us at our Open Auditions day in July!
Over the years, the Towngate have been passionate in providing a platform for the youth of Basildon to take part in the pantomime as the Young Ensemble, and we are very proud to continue that tradition.
The Towngate’s pantomimes are an Essex family-favourite and the start of many a Basildonian’s Christmas celebration. We can’t wait to show you what we have in store for you with Sleeping Beauty!”

The Towngate’s award-winning, critically-acclaimed pantomimes are the jewel in the crown of Essex. Their breathtaking pantomime productions are renowned for their stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic live band at every performance. Each show is a non-stop, musical spectacular that is not to be missed!

Audience favourites, Sophie Ladds and Ian Hallard, will be back for more panto fun as the dastardly villain and lovable Dame. This will be Sophie’s 17th year performing in the Towngate’s pantomimes, and Ian’s 5th year as their fabulous Dame.

Working alongside the five-star award-winning team at Evolution Productions, the Towngate’s fabulous family panto for 2025 promises to be a dream of a show, with all the fun, mayhem and magic that audiences have come to expect from a Towngate pantomime.

Tickets are already selling fast and beating all previous Box Office records, so book now for the panto of your dreams!

Sleeping Beauty runs at the Towngate Theatre from Thursday 27 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026. To book tickets, visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01268 205 300.