THERE will be a festive treat for a Hampshire performer when she takes to the stage in her home city for the Christmas pantomime.

Rosanna Miles is no stranger to the stage and airwaves – she has been acting since she was a child and frequently features on BBC Radio Four Extra in the Doctor Who series.

The Winchester resident is gearing up for the Theatre Royal’s centenary year Christmas performance of Sleeping Beauty which starts on Tuesday (December 9).

She will play the Fairy Sweetheart – who moves the plot forward – and says she is looking forward to the role.

“The fairy does a lovely Charleston dance, it’s so rare to get something like that in a panto,” she said.

“It is a great era, so that was a lovely pull for me. I really wanted to be part of the 100th year panto.

“The script is lovely and the fairy has lots to do. She almost narrates the story and it’s her spells that continue to help throughout the play.”

The 30-year-old has lived in Winchester for two years, and says she thinks the performance will ground her in the community.

“I love Winchester! Just moving here I have got to know so many people. I love that you go in to cafes and people recognise you because it’s a fairly busy community with a lot going on.

“A lot of people when I told them I’m going to be in the panto say ‘I go every year’ and are really excited.

“It is lovely to feel this is my home and it is really anchoring me in the community.”

Rosanna will be joined on stage by star of Think No Evil of Us, David Benson, as the dame Nurse Nelly.

The Evil Fairy Carabosse is played by Kate Russell Smith, and the two worked together at the Winchester theatre in 2006 for Same Time Next Year.

Two familiar and popular faces from last year’s Snow White, Clive Flint and Andy Medhurst, return to play King Rupert and Joey the Jester.

Catherine Hayworth plays Princess Aurora, and her Prince Charming is Alexander Morelli.

The cast is joined by three child casts of 11 dancers each, aged eight to 15.

The family favourite this year brings spectacular special effects to the stage, with a forest of flying horns, a flying Evil Fairy and a fire-breathing dragon.

It marks ten years of in-house productions at the theatre, and writer and director James Barry says it is the “most ambitious to date.”

  •  Sleeping Beauty runs from December 9 until January 4. Tickets range from £8.50 to £21.50.

To book call 01962 840440, or visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/sleeping-beauty.