No place like home

Princess Susie, our Sleeping Beauty doll, is back home where she belongs. Here's an account of  her return to Stafford Gatehouse Theatre. 

If you've had a chance to see the Sleeping Beauty Panto, please leave us a comment to let us know what you thought of it. 

For all you Panto fans out there, we have great news. You can already book your tickets for the 2014 Rock 'n' Roll Panto Cinderella here, or by calling our box office on 01785 254 653.


Dear friends,

Susie here. Golly gosh, it's good to be back home! With all the exciting adventures lately, I didn't even realise how much I missed my beloved Gatehouse Theatre, with it's lovely people and the incredibly tasty scones you can get in our café.

After almost two months of travelling, I'm finally back to sunny Stafford. If I do say so myself, the timing of my return was spot-on! I came back just in time for the last show inspired by your favourite Sleeping Beauty doll – me.

Being the busy body that I am, I couldn't resist helping out with the show. Here I am making some last minute adjustments on a costume. It would seem someone has got a little festively plump over the holidays...

I love helping out back stage

Since Fairy Frederica was a little bit late that evening, I made sure her microphone and wig were in working order before the show. I think blue brings out the colour of my eyes, don't you?

Blue has always been my favourite colour. 

I never realised I had so many fans on the Gatehouse Theatre team. Everyone wanted to get their photo taken with me. Here I am preparing cues with lovely Abbie, one of the theatre's technicians.

They don't call me Susie Q for nothing

During the performance, I helped Deputy Stage Manager Beth run the show. She's brilliant at it, but I also had some very valuable input, I think.

A very bright light we have here

Here I am, after the show, congratulating Beth Peach-Robinson on her excellent portrayal of me during the last month or so. She's such a gifted performer, I'm honoured she was the one who brought my story to life.

We could be twins, don't you think?

In all the excitement and the celebrations, I snuck back to the office for a little while. It's nice and warm in here and it feels like home. Despite the excitement of my travels and the amazing people I've met along the way, I can honestly say there's no place like home. In fact, I felt so happy and content, that I decided to take a little nap on the keyboard. There really is no place like home!

I missed this!

Your friend,
Princess Susie

PS: I'd like to thank everyone who has been reading my travel journal. Remember, if you like stories, magic and music, you're going to love our next Panto – a rock 'n' roll version of Cinderella - so book your tickets now. I have a feeling I might also be around for it.

Happy New Year from Princess Susie!

Princess Susie, our Sleeping Beauty doll, is finally back from her trip around the world. 

You still have one last chance to see the Sleeping Beauty Panto at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre until January 11. Just book your tickets here or by ringing our box office on 01785 254 653.

Dear friends,

The last two months have been incredible! I’ve seen so many interesting places and met some amazing and wonderful people.

After spending Christmas at the Harry Potter studios and helping out at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, I indulged myself and stayed in Wales to welcome the New Year. Luckily, my friends saved my Christmas presents until I got here. I was just getting ready to open them when this picture was taken.

I got a lovely new tiara, and an electric toothbrush.

My friends and I decided to go for a short road trip before the end of the year celebrations. As always, safety first!

Just taking a short nap

2013 was an amazing year. I travelled the world and had some terribly exciting adventures. I’m so happy I decided to wake up and hit the road when I did, although I really miss my darling Simon Steadfast. Here I am, admiring the lovely Welsh countryside and daydreaming of my sweetheart.

Sunny skies always make me sleepy

After my drive, I went on a quick shopping spree, to get everything ready for the big New Year’s Eve party my friends were organising. I bought myself a lovely new dress and even some mistletoe for good luck.

Like any princess, I love shopping

I couldn't help myself and also went into a music shop, where I tested out some guitars and practiced some of my favourite tunes, including Celebration, Don’t Leave Me This Way and my best-loved Wake Up Little Susie. In fact, I even performed that one at the New Year’s party.

Speaking of which, I had a great time on New Year’s Eve. I spent the entire night dancing and celebrating and I even enjoyed a tiny glass of champagne. It was the best way to finish off a sensational year. Here I am at the end of the night, barely able to keep my eyes open.

I hope your winter holidays were at least as exciting and fun as mine. Although the New Year has already started and most of you are probably back at work, here’s a belated Happy New Year wish from your friend, Princess Susie. I hope 2014 brings you all the love and happiness you deserve!

Your friend,
Princess Susie