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.

Princess Susie's youngest fan

Princess Susie, our Sleeping Beauty doll who isn’t getting much sleep these days, is back once again from her trip around the world. 

This time she’s been spreading the word in Kenilworth of our rock n’ roll panto to fans young and old, which runs up to January 11. You can book tickets here, or by calling 01785 254 653, if you haven’t already. 

Dear friends,

After travelling the world, my most recent journey took me to a lovely town a little closer to home. This time I visited the beautiful Kenilworth in Warwickshire, which is just down the road from Stafford. Well, almost.

I decided it was time to visit some of my adoring fans. I can tell Jessie here really looks up to me, and was very happy to meet me. She also looks as sleepy as I feel. Get your beauty sleep Jessie, I know it’s how I stay so fresh.

Having a cuddle with Jessie

There are lots of places I still want to visit, but it’s always nice to meet new people and make some friends. I’m sure everyone can enjoy our Sleeping Beauty rock n’ roll panto, even if they’re as young as Jessie.

That’s all for my trip to Kenilworth. I’m now about to go back home to my beloved Stafford, but I think I’m going to take a lesson from Jessie and have a quick nap before I set off.

Your friend,
Princess Susie

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

Behind the scenes in Ipswich

Princess Susie, our Sleeping Beauty doll, has been helping out behind the scenes at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich. 

If you'd like the doll to visit you, just email Emma Hogan on ehogan@staffordbc.gov.uk for more information.

Have you already been to see our Sleeping Beauty rock ‘n’ roll panto? Why not go again? It’s on at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre until January 11, 2014. Just book your tickets here or give us a call on 01785 254 653.

Dear friends,

I’ve had an incredible Christmas so far, and I really hope you have too. After visiting the Harry Potter studios, I headed down to Ipswich, to see my friends at the New Wolsey Theatre.

This holiday season, the theatre will be entertaining their fans with a rock ‘n’ roll production of Dick Whittington. My friends here tell me that performances run up to January 25, and should be a treat for audiences of all ages.

Here I am, backstage before a show, helping some of the cast rehearse their lines. We had a great time and I haven’t laughed so hard since seeing this year’s Stafford Gatehouse’s rock ‘n’ roll panto.

Turning the pages proved to be a bit of a challenge

If you happen to be in Ipswich over the holidays and you notice that the streets are paved with rock ‘n’ roll classics, blame it on the musical twist on the traditional tale. Just make sure you don’t miss it!

Your friend,

The travelling Princess Susie

Stupefy – Princess Susie's visit to the Harry Potter studios

Princess Susie, our Sleeping Beauty doll, just won't stay put. She celebrated Christmas by visiting the Harry Potter studios in London. 

If you would like Susie to visit you, please send an email to Emma Hogan on ehogan@staffordbc.gov.uk. 

Also, if you still haven't booked your tickets to this year's rock 'n' roll panto, don't wait any longer. It only runs until January 11, 2014. Just call us on 01785 254653 or book online here.

Dear friends,

I don't know if you're aware of this, but I love reading. My favourite books are fairy tales and fantasy novels, where anything is possible and magic is the only rule that applies. That's why I was incredibly excited when my friend Fiona from the Stafford train station offered to take me with her to the Harry Potter studios in London.

The journey seemed like it would take a while, so I took a nap in Fiona's bag and, before I knew it, I woke up on Privet Drive, where the amazing Harry Potter grew up. Do you know why J.K. Rowling chose this name for the street where the Harry Potter novels started? According to Pottermore, it's because of the privet bush, a hedge that isolates houses in the suburbs. Apparently J.K. Rowling thought suburbia and isolation linked well with the Dursleys, who go to such lengths to stay away from anything even remotely magical.

I spent my day at the Harry Potter studio admiring some amazing outfits and original sets from the films.

I also found some very realistic and a little bit scary masks that some of the characters wore. Who did you think was the scariest character? I was always terrified of Lord Voldermort.

However, I always loved Dobby, the house elf, despite him being a bit clumsy and getting Harry into all sorts of trouble. Here I am with Dobby, who was particularly tired that day. Too bad we both have our eyes closed in this picture.

Finally, I had a lovely Christmas dinner at the studios and thoroughly enjoyed a very delicious mince pie. If I don't get to see you before Christmas, I wish you all a peaceful holiday, filled with love, cheer and happiness! Merry Christmas!

Your jolly friend,

Princess Susie

Susie’s Prague celebration

Susie, our Sleeping Beauty doll, isn't getting much sleep these days. She's back once again from her trip around the world. This time she’s been spreading the word in Prague about our rock n’ roll panto, which runs up to January 11, 2014. You can book tickets here if you haven’t already.

Dear friends,

I have now made the long trip to Prague after visiting Belfast to spread the word of rock n’ roll. The second time I’ve been on a plane was even more exciting than the last. I can’t wait to go on one again!

Prague is home to many famous bridges. Here am I on the Charles Bridge with a couple of friends. It’s 621 meters long, so you can bet it took me a while to cross. My friends explained that his bridge was instrumental in making Prague a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe.

On a sunny, but very chilly day

Here’s a picture of me by the Vltava river, about to go on a romantic river cruise. I just wish my childhood sweetheart, Simon Steadfast, could be here with me.  

Close-up. Oh no, I had my eyes closed.

Why is everything in Prague so big? Another example of Gothic architecture, St. Vitus Cathedral is nearly 100m tall. It makes a doll like me feel very tiny. It’s also really old. Apparently, in the 1300s, when the cathedral was built, some of the designs were considered to be revolutionary.

Finally, this is me and my friend at the clock tower. Installed in 1410, it’s the third oldest astronomical clock tower in the world, and the oldest one still working.  Who needs a watch in Prague when you have this?

On top of the world

That’s all for my travels in Prague, I’m afraid. Now I’ve got to get some rest for my next trip. I’m not certain where I’m going, but I know it’ll be tons of fun.

Your friend,

Susie

A Belfast adventure

The newest post from Princess Susie, our Sleeping Beauty doll travelling around the world is finally here. If you’d like Princess Susie to visit you, send an email to Emma Hogan on ehogan@staffordbc.gov.uk.

There's still time to book your tickets for this year’s Sleeping Beauty rock ´n´ roll panto, which runs until January 11, 2014. You can also call us on 01785 254653.

Dear friends,

Susie here. I’m finally back from my trip to Belfast, the lovely capital of Northern Ireland. When I arrived there, I was so amazed by the scenery that I couldn't decide what to do first.

After a while of gazing at the outdoors, it became clear to me that there was only one place to go in the spirit of Christmas - the Belfast Christmas market.

Where I had a steaming cup of mulled wine

The market had cheeses, olives, pastries and rare meats like kangaroo and alligator. It was so full of Christmas cheer and delicious foods that I felt like I never wanted to leave. Here I am, looking very excited, next to the Belfast Christmas market poster.

A very jolly experience indeed

The locals told me that the city has much more to offer and that I should spend my time here wisely. So I decided to visit Titanic Belfast.

Wow! The building was grand as the Irish folk would say. That’s no surprise though as it‘s described as the largest Titanic visiting centre in the world. It was such an experience to relive the Titanic story in a giant six-floor building. Here I am outside the famous visitor centre.

Just resting my eyes a little bit

On my last day in lovely little Belfast, I decided to go to the seaside. It might seem like a strange thing to do in December but I’ve never been to the seaside before. Here I am staring up at the clouds and blues skies.

Staring at the sun beyond the clouds

On my way to the airport, I noticed a poster for Belfast’s production of Sleeping Beauty. It doesn’t look quite as rock ’n‘ roll as my Stafford Gatehouse Theatre’s take on the classic tale but I’m sure they’ll do me justice!

I think I'm definitely prettier 

Belfast has been such a great experience for a little doll like me, the people are friendly, the accent is brilliant and the city is full of culture. I’m so in love with this place but it’s time to move on, I hear Prague calling!

Your friend,
Susie

Rock ‘n‘ rolling in the happiest of cities

The third blog post from Princess Susie, our Sleeping Beauty doll that is currently travelling around the world, is out today. If you’d like Princess Susie to visit you, just drop us an email at ehogan@staffordbc.gov.uk.

Spread the word and don’t forget to book your tickets for this year’s Sleeping Beauty rock ´n´ roll panto, which opens on December 13. You can also call us on 01785 254653.

Dear friends,

Susie here. After a long journey through the Carpathian mountains I finally arrived in Romania’s capital city, Bucharest. It’s a very big and crowded place, but I really like it. The name comes from the word “bucur” which means joy or happiness. And it really is a fun place, I’ll tell you that.

Yesterday I visited the biggest building I’ve ever seen - the Palace of the Parliament. Its so big, the World Records Academy named it the world’s largest civilian building with an administrative function as well as the most expensive administrative building and the heaviest building in the world. Here I am, posing in front of it. I had to take the picture from very far away, so I could fit all of the building in the frame.

In front of the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest

After this, my friends and I went for a drive around Bucharest city centre. We were stuck in traffic for ages.

I even practiced my driving a little bit

...and ages.

 I was ready to walk the rest of the way

Ater what seemed like days, we managed to get to a lovely place called the Romanian Athenaeum. It’s a huge concert hall, similar to the Royal Albert Hall in London. This is where classical music concerts are perfomed almost daily. I was lucky enough to go in and listen to a symphonic concert, and I have to say I absolutely loved it. I’d really like to learn how to play the violin.

In front of the amazing Romanian Athenaeum

Bucharest is a great place to visit and I had a really lovely time, but I’m going to have to move on now. There’s still so much more to see. I decided to hitchhike for a while. I’m not sure where I’ll be heading next, but I bet it‘s going to be somewhere exciting. In the meanwhile, safety first.

On my way to the next destination

Your friend,
Susie

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