Sleeping Beauty 2025
Written by Dean Verbeek
Come and join in the festive fun next January, as we travel to a magical land of castles, fairies, dragons, and spinning wheels!
This enchanting tale sees the beautiful Princess Aurora prick her finger on a spinning wheel that has been cursed by the Evil Enchantress, making her sleep for 100 years. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse and wake the princess.
Will she find her true love and live happily ever after?
Creatives
Directed - Dean Verbeek
Musical Director - Andrew Harries
Choreographer - Melanie Sullivan
Cast
Princess Aurora - Elysia Coates
Prince Fredrik - Ian Roach
Silly Sean - Sean Davies-Jaynes
Dame Penelope Peacock - Richard Burman
Fairy Moonbeam - Rhian-Lynne Lewis
Fairy Stardust - Daniella Difede
Maleficent - Greg Arthur
Metamorph - Stephen McDermid
King Henry - Mark Warren
Dancers - Raie Copp Academy
Senior Dancers.
Ava Williams
Keira Hole
Emily Darney
Isabel Jones
Evie Cruttenden
Isla Evans
Shophie James
Olivia Sweeney
Konnie Steins-Harris
Team Raie Babes
Aria Davies
Evie Smale
Halle Bevan
Luna Rogers
May Briggs
Team Copp - Babes
Amelia Rosser
Florence Davies
Lottie Steins-Harris
Marcie Steins
Myla Hooke
Rosie Davies
Band
Musical Director - Andrew Harries
Lead Guitar - Paul Davies
Percussion - Gareth Hamlin
Production Personnel
Production Manager - David Jones
Stage Manager - Robert Green
Assistant Stage Manager - Jonathan Evans
Deputy Stage Manager - Angela Osborn
Stage Crew
Cheryl Coulthard-Green
Luke Morgan
Sian Davies
Scott Davies
Amy Evans
Alex Williams
Becca Lloyd
Jamie Jenkins
Jonathan Williams
Cassie Bennett
Front Of House
Jon Rees
Alan Williams
Lyra Morgan-Burst
Jordan Thomas Bateman
Gaynor Difede
Debbie Garratt
Props
Robert Green
Cassie Bennett
Follow spot - Rhian Rees
Sponsorship - Stephen McDermid
Marketing & Programme - Nathan WR
Social Media - Nathan WR & Ffen Jones
Pyrotechnics - Luke Morgan
Lighting & Video Designer - Mike Sammuel
Lighting & Video Assistant - Gareth Evans
Sound - Jonny Rees, Stage Sound Services
Special Effects - Mike Sammuel, Stage Lighting Services & Stage Sound Services &
UWTSD Carmarthen (BA Set design & Production
Scenery - Scenic Projects LTD
Make-up - Sarah Arthur, Brian Hughes
Head of Costume - Cheryl Coulthard-Green
Costumes Suppliers - Behind the Seams, John Hill of Hinckley
Wigs & Additional Costumes - JB Costumes & Wig Hire
Wardrobe Adjustments - Sarah Arthur & Rhiannon Morgan
Sleeping Beauty
In Dedication to
Our Musical Director
Mr Robert Jenkins
Sleeping Beauty was dedicated to our beloved Musical Director, Robert Jenkins, who sadly passed away in 2024 at the age of 64.
For over 40 years, Rob was a pillar of pantomime in Llanelli and played a key role in shaping Friendship Theatre Group into what it became. His musical talent was the heartbeat of our productions. As a skilled arranger and orchestrator, Rob began working on each year’s music six months before opening night, spending countless hours creating what he called “magical musical arrangements.” His work included some of Friendship’s most iconic pieces, like the Friendship Overture and Pantomime, which brought joy to tens of thousands over the years.
Outside of pantomime, Rob was a respected examiner for the London College of Music and a Senior Instructor with Yamaha UK. He helped shape music education across the UK and Europe, producing course materials and mentoring countless students at The Performance Factory Music School.
He was a mentor, a teacher, and a visionary whose impact reached far beyond the stage.
That year’s pantomime felt especially poignant, as Rob’s legacy continued to guide and inspire us. His passion for theatre and music brought us together and drove us to aim higher. We carried his spirit with us in every note, every song, and every moment of joy we shared with our audience.
NODA Review
Author: Matt Hampson
It was my 3rd visit to Friendship Theatre Group following on from Peter Pan, Beauty & The Beast and tonight - Sleeping Beauty. We all know this story so I don’t think I need to explain that!
I always have expectations because their productions are always high quality but tonight was just another level! In an unusual twist I’ve decided to not single one or two particular cast members (listed below) out because in all honesty, they were all great. Perfectly cast, brilliant vocals, character & delivery. Sean Davies-Jaynes is like a celebrity in Llanelli and his entrance to the Panto just sums up friendship theatre group perfectly - expect the unexpected! I won’t spoil it for anyone who reads this before seeing the Panto but you’ll have a blast. (That’s my only mention of specific cast as I don’t want Sean to soak me next year).
Princess Aurora - Elysia Coates
Prince Fredrick - Ian Roach
Silly Sean - Sean Davies - Jaynes
Dame Penelope Peacock - Richard Burman
Fairy Moonbeam - Rhian Lynne-Lewis
Fairy Sunlight - Daniella Difede
Fairy Stardust - Nathan WR
Maleficent - Greg Arthur
Metamorph - Stephen McDermid
King Henry - Mark Warren
Technically, I am just in awe of what this team deliver. It’s not just very good, there were many occasions I just sat there thinking to myself this is ridiculous and forgetting I was sat watching an amateur pantomime. From the lighting and sound, to AV & special effects this production was spectacular. Again, I won’t mention specifics but once seen never forgotten. Costume was amazing and I must talk about the creatives - Dean (Writer & Director), Andrew (MD) & Melanie (Choreographer). It takes a special team to deliver something like this. Dean's scripts are never too much and I also liked the “blue” element that wasn’t blue. Keeping the adults entertained without crossing the line takes skill and very good writing ability, delivered superbly by the cast.
The band, led by Andrew Harries were very tight, extremely well balanced and added that quality touch needed for this yearly event. The song choices were excellent, relevant and I loved the arrangements. Choreographed by Melanie Sullivan, the dancers gave every bit of energy they could muster, enthusiastically joined by the younger dancers who were just so on it and clearly loving every minute.
I can’t think of enough superlatives for this production and wish I could talk more about what I loved about it but it’ll give too much away. Given they still have a week to go, I wanted to finish this by saying- Friendship Theatre Group, whatever you’re doing keep doing it. The care, love, attention to detail within your company is very evident. You are the perfect example of commitment & passion and it is an honour to be your NODA Rep.
See you next year!
