THE wait is almost over as Sleeping Beauty comes to the Theatre Royal for this Easter's spectacular spellbinding panto.

It follows the successful smash hit panto Snow White in Easter 2014 and last year's Christmas extravaganza Jack and the Beanstalk.

Laura Gregory is the beautiful Princess Aurora who pricks her finger on a spinning wheel before falling into a deep sleep only to be awaken by her one true love. No stranger to treading the boards Laura has captivated audiences in several pantomimes at The Epstein Theatre including Aladdin and Snow White.

She was selected out of 90 actresses who auditioned for the role in front of a panel of judges including the show's producer and director Chantelle Nolan, musical director George Francis and choreographer Sarah Walker.

Leanne Campbell from Radio City will be returning to the stage as the evil fairy Carabosse who places the curse of the princess. She was most recently seen along side Ray Quinn in Aladdin at the Liverpool Empire. Alongside Leanne is another member of the Radio City team Claire Simmo who is back after winning over the audience as Fairy Liquid in Snow White and as Fairy Vegetable in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Another Theatre Royal favourite Liam Mellor who was last seen as Simple Simon in the Christmas panto returns with St Helens' resident dame Simon Foster who brings his own brand of slapstick and fun.

Curtain rises tomorrow (Friday, April 3) with shows until Sunday, April 12.

Family tickets for two adults and two children cost £45, adults cost £12 with concessions at £11.50 and children are £11.

On April 9 and 10 all seats cost £10.

You can book in person at the box office on Corporation Street on by phone on 01744 75600 or alternatively visit sthelenstheatreroyal.com.