Bolton-born TV and radio star Vernon Kay has confirmed he will be returning to the stage this December, starring in the family favourite pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. He will take on the role of Billy in the production, which runs from December 5, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Previous panto success
This marks Kay's third panto appearance. He previously won the best newcomer prize at the British Pantomime Awards in 2023 for his role as Dandini in Cinderella at the Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe in December 2022.
Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio about his first panto experience, Kay said: "It was amazing, it was everything I expected it to be and more. It was hard work and I'd never done anything like this before, but the fun that we shared as a cast and the fun that we gave hopefully to the audience - it was absolutely brilliant." He added: "It was really uplifting and a great personal achievement for me because I never thought I'd get through it - multivitamins were literally by my side every day."
Announcement on Instagram
Sharing the news on Instagram on Wednesday (July 22), the presenter wrote: "Oooooh No he isn't!!! Oooooh yes he is!! For the third time I'm taking a one-way ticket to pantoland this winter for 'Sleeping Beauty' at Churchill Theatre in Bromley!! From 5th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027. Don't miss out, book your tickets now."
Kay added in a statement: "Once you've caught the panto bug, there's no going back! I absolutely loved my time in High Wycombe, so when the chance came to head to Bromley this Christmas it was an easy 'yes'. I love the madness of panto – the singing, the laughs, the audience shouting back at you, and seeing families make Christmas memories together. I'm already counting down the days and promise we'll have plenty of fun. Oh yes we will!"
