Meet the cast of Sleeping Beauty: Grace Kelly-Miller

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Sleeping Beauty, we chatted with Grace Kelly-Miller, playing Fairy Bejazzle, in an exclusive interview...

How did you feel when you found out you’d be returning to Newburyshire?

Delighted!

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

The turning on of the Christmas lights was a real highlight last year, so I'm hoping to get along again!

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

I absolutely loved the Disney one growing up, I've always wanted Aurora's dress - but the version where it's a clash of blue and pink.

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?

It's an artform steeped in tradition and nostalgia, as a child I loved the costumes and the songs, as an adult I giggle at the terrible jokes and the innuendo that goes over the kid’s heads! 

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

I know Lord of the Rings isn't a fairy tale, but I feel like hobbits are fairy tale adjacent and that is very much my vibe!

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

I wasn't disruptive, so I wasn't considered one of the 'naughty' children - however, more often than not, I was daydreaming or drawing - and teachers weren't pleased when they realised!

What was your favourite subject at school?

Drama, Art and Music all equal ranking!

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

Well as it's my 3rd year at the Corn Exchange - I think Newbury is my Christmas tradition now!

As the host of Dungeons & Dragons podcast No Small Rolls, how does that help you get into character in your stage work?

D&D is a creative game full of chance, so it helps me think on my feet as a performer. In D&D the dice will surprise you, and on stage the audience and your fellow actors can do the same - the full in both case's is to roll with it!

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