Every year, round about now, places want to start flogging their panto tickets. It’s something MADEUP always tries to ignore until it all becomes too much (can’t we have summer first?) but this week a genuinely intriguing announcement was made.

 

When Christmas comes, our own Andrew Lancel will be getting into the spirit as a panto baddie so big, only a specially constructed, 3000 -seater big top can handle him. And not just for one night only — oh no it most definitely isn’t.

 

A full panto season of Sleeping Beauty will take place at the Waterfront Big Top @ Echo Arena (the old Summer Pops tent, we wonder?), using, it says here, “the very latest technological advancements in touring theatre”. That, you’ll be pleased to know, includes heating.

 

Lancel, best known as Coronation Street bad boy Frank Foster (deceased), said: “I’m thrilled to be appearing in Liverpool and to be playing a deliciously wicked character which also presents some great comedic opportunities in the script. Bring on the boos, I’m ready!”

 

The set will include a rotating spinning tower castle plus a 15-foot smoke-breathing dragon. The special effects highlights include a digitally animated projection of a growing forest of thorns which envelops the castle where the inhabitants sleep for 100 years.

 

Jonathon Morris — Adrian Boswell from Bread — has also been named among the cast with more announcements to come.

 

Tickets go on sale this Friday, if you’re one for planning ahead.