Panto season is under way at the Theatre Royal as rehearsals begin for this year's production of Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy's Tale.

The Norwich theatre production will see Millie O'Connell take on the role of The Princess while pantomime heavyweight Richard Gauntlett will take to the stage as The Queen.

Richard has performed in 23 Christmas productions in the city and Millie was an original cast member of the Norwich-born production 'Six'.

Eastern Daily Press: Millie O'Connell rehearsing with the cast of Sleeping Beauty

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Millie said: "I have a lot of core memories here in Norwich, I’m really happy here, something always pulls me back.

"I’m really excited to bring the audience act two of this Sleeping Beauty because it’s a fairy’s tale, so I think they’re going to think one thing, but Joe and that magic hand of his have written up something incredible."

The script was written by Joe Tracini who will also be playing the Good Fairy in the production.

Eastern Daily Press: Millie will be taking on the role of The Princess

The pantomime will be running from Saturday, December 9 to Sunday, January 7 with ticket prices ranging from ÂŁ10 to ÂŁ40.

Millie added: “I think there’s something about when you look out to the audience you can break the fourth wall.

Eastern Daily Press: Panto season is coming to Norwich as rehearsals begin

"You’re able to be with the people - ask the audience questions, be immersive and interactive.

"When you get the first little toddlers coming to panto and you watch their eyes, like oh my goodness this is wild.”