Meet the cast of Sleeping Beauty: Ricardo Mendes

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Sleeping Beauty, we chatted with Ricardo Mendes, playing part of our Ensemble, in an exclusive interview...

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

When I found out I was going to be a part of Sleeping Beauty I was excited as I’ve never worked on Sleeping Beauty before.

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

The only memory I have of Sleeping Beauty is the whole room coming to life for the first time. 

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?

The tradition of panto remains alive, and a massive cultural tradition. It brings the whole family together and it brings people together. Everyone laughs and everyone gets involved.

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

I dream of one day playing Rapunzel at the Corn Exchange, although my favourite fairy tale character is Little Red Riding Hood but there’s just something about having a massive blonde wig with LENGTH and having my princess that’s waiting at the steps of the palace to save me!

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

At school I was a REBEL. If I was in detention, it’d be for disrupting the class or talking.

What was your favourite subject at school?

My favourite subject at school was Music.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

A Christmas tradition in my family is that we make this Brazilian drink called caipirinha.

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

I’m most looking forward to just being a part of the Corn Exchange family! 

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