Sunderland Empire and Martin Dodd for UK Productions are delighted to announce that star of Call The Midwife and Shrek the Musical UK Tour, Laura Main, is set to bring a sprinkling of fairy dust and festive charm to Sunderland Empire’s enchanting pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, as she stars as Fairy Snowfall from Friday 12 December 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026.
Laura Main is best known for appearing in all fourteen series of Call The Midwife, initially playing Sister Bernadette before giving up her wimple to marry, becoming Nurse Shelagh Turner. She will shortly be filming series fifteen.
Her other TV credits include The Mill, Murder City, Father Brown, Monarch of the Glen, The Forsyte Saga and Pak Choi (voice) in the animated series, Roots and Fruits, for CBeebies.
Laura is no stranger to the stage spotlight either. You may have seen her at Sunderland Empire back in 2018 as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical UK Tour or more recently in Steel Magnolias (UK Tour), with many more credits to her name.
Laura said: “I love musical theatre and Christmas in equal measure and so to get to be involved in the much-loved British tradition of pantomime and help create some festive magic is a huge honour, as well as lots of fun.
I had a great time performing at the Sunderland Empire in 2018, as Fiona in Shrek the Musical on tour and am really looking forward to returning, this time as Fairy Snowfall in Sleeping Beauty.”
Producer, Martin Dodd said: “Our spectacular production of Sleeping Beauty has all the ingredients to be the perfect festive treat for the whole family – not only are Miss Rory and Tom Whalley back for another hilarious season together, we’re delighted to welcome the brilliant Laura Main as Fairy Snowfall. With a hilarious script, lavish sets and costumes, sensational song and dance numbers, not to mention bucket loads of laughs, it’s wakey wakey time to book your tickets now!”
Laura will be joining Wearside’s favourite funny duo, the sharp as a whip North East Queen of Comedy, Miss Rory (Boulevard), this year as Rorina the Cleaner and the quick-witted Tom Whalley as Vesta the Jester, both back by incredible popular demand. The pair will return to Sunderland Empire’s stage for a sixth year running and are sure to be cheekier than ever before.
A beautiful Princess is cursed by the evil Carabosse on the eve of her 18th birthday party and can only be awoken by true love's kiss. Can the Good Fairy’s magical spell break the curse? Will she find her true love and live happily ever after?
Expect a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes, and exciting special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained!
Don’t get caught napping! Sleeping Beauty will dazzle Sunderland Empire audiences from Friday 12 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026! Tickets are available online now at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland*
*A £3.95 transaction fee applies to online bookings.
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