Meet the cast of Sleeping Beauty: Jenny Perry

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Sleeping Beauty, we chatted with Jenny Perry, playing Fairy Badflix, in an exclusive interview...

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

Very happy, it's my third year performing at the Corn Exchange and I've loved it every time.

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

The Christmas light switch on - the local markets are always so lovely to visit. And a mulled wine after work!

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

Sleeping Beauty was actually the story I knew the least about growing up. I thought it was no fun for the princess to be asleep for half the plot. So, I like to enjoy all the new ways to tell the story where the princess is more than just a snoozing damsel to be rescued! And actually, it does have one the best, pettiest villains (biased of course).

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 think it's one of the only forms of theatre that appeal across the generations, that any age can enjoy it. And as you get older, you start to understand the jokes that maybe you didn't quite get as a child and that's also part of the fun!

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

I'd love to be in the world of The Little Mermaid, as I'm a fan of marine wildlife. But having read the original telling of the story, which is a little, erm, darker than the Disney version, maybe it wouldn't be so nice. I do love a sassy, smart villain though so I love Ursula the sea witch, but I'm actually a big fan of the wicked stepsisters in Cinderella.

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

I was a massive nerd at school, but I was also easily distracted! So, I rarely got detention but when I did it was for doodling in class, being late or forgetting to finish my homework.

What was your favourite subject at school?

I had two favourite subjects - drama and maths! I like to think it was both sides of my brain fighting it out. In the end, drama won!

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

I eat a whole turkey leg to myself. And chocolate is an acceptable breakfast.

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