A princess in the crown city

Here's the second blog post from our Sleeping Beauty doll who is currently travelling around Europe. If you'd like to receive the doll, just drop us an email on ehogan@staffordbc.gov.uk. Don't forget to book your tickets for our Sleeping Beauty rock 'n' roll panto by calling  01785 254653 or online here.

Dear friends,

Susie here. In my last post I told you all about Dracula's castle. Since then, I've been exploring a lovely town called Brasov, located in the heart of Romania. Its old German name is Kronstadt, which means crown city, a name reflected in the city's coat of arms.

The historic centre is surrounded by medieval fortifications to this day. There are some wonderful promenade areas, especially around the former city council building, which is currently the local history museum. Here's a picture of me and my friend  in right in front of it.

You can just about see me in this picture

Closeby you can see the Black Church, which some claim is the largest Gothic style church in Southeastern Europe. Guess how old it is.

You'll need a magnifying glass to see me in this one

The building dates from 1477 and acquired its current name after being blackened by smoke from the 1689 great fire. I even went inside and sneaked a peek at the impressive 4,000 pipe organ, which is played at weekly and Christmas concerts.

 

Finally, a close up!

As impressive as the Black church is, my favourite place in Brasov was the local theatre. It reminds me a little of home. 

The lovely local theatre in Brasov

They have lots of plays on, even some Christmas ones, but guess what? They don't have a Christmas panto tradition here, instead people usually go to Christmas carol concerts during the winter holidays.

Stealing the spotlight

The weather was rather chilly, and just as I was leaving Brasov, it started snowing. That made me feel very Christmasy indeed.

So here I am, on my way to Bucharest, Romania's capital city. I'll be sure to send you some pictures when I get there. In the meantime, treat yourself to a mince pie, I know I sure miss them.

Your friend,

Susie

It's a jump to the left and then a step to the right

Here's the first in a series of blog posts from Susie, the Sleeping Beauty doll that we sent around the world last month. She's visiting our friends and fans across the globe to spread the word about our rock 'n' roll panto, which opens on December 13. You can book tickets here if you haven't already.

Dear friends,

Susie here. It was early on a foggy Friday morning when I set off from London and I was ever so excited. I'd never been on a plane before.

As I had got as far as London, I decided I still wasn't sleepy yet and I kept going. I wanted to visit an old friend of mine, the Count. You know, count Dracula.

Here I am with a portrait of Vlad Tepes, the historical character most often associated with Dracula

Sleeping Beauty: Meet the cast!

Today is the first day of rehearsals of Sleeping Beauty! Here's who's playing who...

Greg Barrowman: Simon Steadfast

Greg was one of the youngest recipients of a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Musical Theatre having just turned 16 from the Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre Arts (GAMTA) He trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly RSAMD). He is a skilled guitarist. Greg understudied John Barrowman for the past three years in Pantomime at the SECC.

Noa Bodner: Morgana 

Noa is a talented alto sax and harmonica player. Her theatre credits in Israel, the UK & Europe include: Paper Dolls, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Les Miserables, Her film credits include Paramount Pictures World War Z.

Gregory Clarke: Mordred

Greg is returning to Stafford for his second rock ‘n’ roll panto following his role as Primp in Beauty and The Beast. As well as being a gifted guitarist, Gregory trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. He is currently playing the role of Al in Carnaby Street (UK Tour) His other theatre credits include Chess (directed by Craig Revel-Horwood ) and The Woman in White (Palace Theatre)

 

 
Claire Greenway: Fairy Fanciful

Claire is a highly skilled saxophone player. She trained at the Royal Academy of Music. Claire’s theatre credits include Ladybird and Aunt Sponge in James and The Giant Peach (BSC/Nikolai Foster) and Maureen in Spinach (Kings Head) She was in the original cast of Sister Act The Musical at the London Palladium and her TV and Film credits include Anna Karenina, Phoneshop and Little Crackers. 

Thomas Hassall: Domestos 

Thomas trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, graduating in July 2013. Credits whilst training included Otto in Spring Awakening, Peter in Blue Remembered Hills and the Bride-Groom in Blood Wedding. Thomas is also a highly skilled drummer and guitarist.

David Hewson: Harold the Herald

Since graduating from Rose Bruford in 2009, David has worked extensively as an Actor-Musician, Musical Director and composer. His recent MD work includes 'The Matchgirls' at Wilton's Muisc Hall, and 'Twisted Christmas' at the Liverpool Everyman. David will also be the Assistant Musical Director for Sleeping Beauty.

Paul Matania: King Candlestick Camelot

Paul trained at Rose Buford College and gained a BA (HONS) in Actor Musicianship. His professional credits include: Trevor in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Watermill Theatre); George Robey in The Hard Boiled Egg and The Wasp (Lion and Unicorn Theatre. As well as a performer, Paul is also a talented Musician, playing various instruments including Guitar, Double Bass, Drums and Ukulele.

Beth Peach-Robinson: Princess Susie

Born and bred in the West Midlands, Beth gained a degree in Music from the University of Cardiff and then went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music. She is currently touring with the musical Carnaby Street. Beth is also a talented saxophone player!

 

Katia Sartini: Frederica

Katia is currently starring as Pheobe in the Carnaby Street musical UK tour. She also plays piano, saxophone, flute and piccolo. Her other theatre credits including Buddy the Musical (UK tour), Dancing Queen (UK tour) as well as performing as a lead singer in five seasons of The Good Ol’ Days at City Varieties in Leeds.

Andrew Williams: Dame Taffetta Trott 

Andrew is returning to Stafford for his third successive rock ‘n’ roll panto following his appearances as Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington and Dame Bessie Bigbreaths in Beauty in The Beast. Theatre includes the multimedia spectacle Chronicles Of Light (Winchester Cathedral), The Widower (Place Theatre, Bedford), The Decorator, Absent Friends and Gaslight (Sheringham Rep); A Christmas Carol (Kings Head Theatre) He is a superb trumpet player. His TV and film credits include Emmerdale and The Last King Of Scotland. Andrew can also be currently be seen in the AXA PPP commercial!