Meet the cast of Sleeping Beauty: Jacob Aldcroft

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Sleeping Beauty, we chatted with Jacob Aldcroft, playing Mike the Magnificent, in an exclusive interview...

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

I felt confused, frightened, and like a complete fraud… had they hired the wrong guy? When they explained that I wasn’t playing Sleeping Beauty - that was just the title of the show - I felt much better.

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

I remember the big dragon in the Disney version used to frighten me. As she transforms she says she has ‘all the powers of Hell’, which is pretty badass for a Disney film.

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?

Theatre is a huge part of British culture, especially Panto. We’re so good at it! It’s world class entertainment, on our doorsteps, and uniquely ours. Its familiar, comforting, and it has to be experienced live. It’s something to be so proud of, and something to protect.

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

One of my favourite films, Hanna, is a fantastic modern day fairy tale - although I’m not sure I’d want to live in its world for long.

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

I didn’t get a single detention in school. Top tip - keep a clean record for the first few years, then by the time it gets to your A-levels you can get away with literally anything. The teachers think butter wouldn’t melt. Attendance? Optional. Homework? What homework?

What was your favourite subject at school?

Philosophy.

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

Doing the shows themselves are always the best part of my day. I really hope the people of Newbury enjoy it.

Having previously performed in A Shoddy Christmas Carol, do you have a favourite Christmas film?

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas. By a long, long way. It’s not even close. It’s on YouTube if you’ve got 25 minutes free and fancy a life-changing cinematic experience.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

I play a game with my family where we put a bed sheet over our heads and pretend to be famous characters/celebrities. It goes on for hours and gets quite intense. Usually my mother grits her teeth and shouts ‘IS IT DOBBY’ while my aunt threatens us with a bat. Not sure I can discuss it any further without getting in trouble.

Having recently created and performed a solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe, how do you plan to use your work in comedy with your Sleeping Beauty character?

A great clown teacher one told me ‘you have funny legs’. Still the best review I’ve ever received. I’ll try my best to use them.

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