The show goes on for Campus West's Christmas pantomime after an actress came to the rescue as a last-minute replacement when the original princess was forced to withdraw.

The production of Sleeping Beauty at Campus West faced an unexpected challenge when Ella Morelle, the actress originally cast as Princess Aurora, had to withdraw from the show.

With just days to go until opening night on December 9, a familiar face stepped up to solve the crisis.

Rose Oliver, a professional dancer and performer from last year’s Robin Hood who famously played the front end of the pantomime horse, Bullseye, agreed to return to the stage as Aurora.

Sleeping Beauty director Jonas Cemm is no stranger to last-minute Campus West panto problems, having broken his foot on the opening night of Jack & the Beanstalk back in 2021.

Cemm's King Penniless character had to be written out of the script ahead of the next show just a day later, but thankfully there have been no such issues this time around.

Jonas Cemm broke his foot on the opening night of 2021 panto, forcing a script rewrite.Jonas Cemm broke his foot on the opening night of 2021 panto, forcing a script rewrite. (Image: Campus West)

"Both Ella and Rose are incredibly talented, and we’re so lucky to have them involved in the show," he said.

"Thankfully, we have a performer who knows the panto spirit inside out. Her energy and stage presence will be a perfect fit.

"The cast and crew are thrilled to have her back and can’t wait to bring this classic tale to life for our audiences."

With the new Princess Aurora ready to take the stage, Sleeping Beauty, written by JoJo Panto Scripts, promises to be a magical, fun-filled pantomime for all ages.

The show will run at Campus West in Welwyn Garden City from Monday, December 9 to January 5, 2025.

For tickets and more information, visit www.campuswest.co.uk.