Meet the cast of Sleeping Beauty: Aoife Haakenson

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Sleeping Beauty, we chatted with Aoife Haakenson, playing Luna, in an exclusive interview...

How did you feel when you found out you’d be part of Sleeping Beauty?

I was so thrilled to find out I’d be part of Sleeping Beauty! Having done my very first pantomime last Christmas, I’m really looking forward to the energy, excitement and festive fun that comes with performing at this time of year. I’m also so excited to work with the brilliant team behind the Corn Exchange’s iconic pantomimes. I’ve heard such lovely things, so I can’t wait to get started!

Do you have any memories of the story of Sleeping Beauty?

I don’t remember too much about Sleeping Beauty from when I was little, other than being slightly traumatised by the dragon! So I’m curious to see whether there’ll be any big, scary dragons in this year’s show…

Pantomime is often a child’s first experience of live theatre, but it’s also a big part of Christmas for many adults. Why do you think the tradition remains so special?

I’ve only lived in the UK for 6 years so I’ve had to catch up quite a lot on pantomime as an iconic British tradition. But I’ve learned that it is unique and important – one of the pillars of the theatre industry and one of the most accessible ways theatre can be brought to everyone. And as importantly, in a world that can feel heavy and complicated, panto brings us back to basics – good will always prevail and love always wins!

If you could live inside the world of any fairy tale, what would it be? Do you have a favourite fairy tale character?

My all time favourite fairy tale character growing up was Belle from Beauty and The Beast. I was an avid reader as a kid, and still am, so the beautiful massive library in the Beast’s Castle is where I would live and spend every second of my day. Oh, and also the unlimited food as well.

What kind of student were you at school? If you were to end up in detention, what would it be for?

I loved school and was always eager to learn. If I was ever ill and told to stay home, I’d get really upset about missing lessons! So, I’d probably have ended up in detention for sneaking back into school when I’d been told to go home!

What was your favourite subject at school? 

My favourite subject was English – I loved to read and write. I had the most amazing teachers almost every year in this subject who really inspired me, challenged me, and encouraged me to pursue a career in the arts!

Do you have any Christmas traditions? 

For me, Christmas has always been about family and food. With my family spread all over the world, our traditions can look a little different each year, whether that’s exchanging presents in a hostel lobby in Austria, having Chinese hot pot for Christmas Eve dinner in Brighton, going for a long Christmas Day walk in South East London, or enjoying Christmas dinner at a night market in Taipei. Wherever we are in the world, as long as we’re together, that’s what makes it Christmas.

From recently playing Catherine Parr in Six The Musical, how do you get into character before stepping on stage each night? Do you have any favourite traditions or superstitions before a performance?

Before a show, I love spending time with everyone backstage. I’ll speak to everyone, check in with friends from stage management, joke, play pranks, play games, and make each other laugh. I work and train hard, but I think it’s important to remember that the connections you make and the joy you get from doing what you love are what make it all worthwhile. So, rather than having any particular superstitions, I like to go on stage feeling happy, relaxed and surrounded by people I love working with!

What are you most looking forward to about being in Newbury over the festive period?

I am looking forward to exploring the surrounding nature and green spaces around Newbury! And also watching lots of movies at the Corn Exchange Cinema.

Sleeping Beauty runs from Friday 27 November to Saturday 2 January. Find out more and book your tickets: