Sleeping Beauty Starts Today

As you may have noticed the countdown clock has reached zero and that signals the opening night for Faye and the wonderful cast of the Sleeping Beauty panto in Canterbury.

I'm actually away from today until next Wednesday 5th December and if all goes to plan I'm hoping to see this fantastic festive show before I return; probably on Sunday or Monday, not 100% sure at the moment.

Pink is still very much Faye's signature colour : -)

Of course I'm also hoping to see Faye because I've bought her a small Christmas gift to say thank you for all the joy she gives to others with her sparkling displays on stage.

I haven't been to a panto for more years than I care to remember but I'm really looking forward to seeing Sleeping Beauty. Canterbury is a lovely city, they have a great new theatre which I've never been too and this panto features a truly magnificent cast which include the unparralleled talent of our very own Faye Brookes.

Anyway, I thought before I go I'd leave you with these lovely pictures and also repost the videos I featured earlier in the month.

Don't forget Sleeping Beauty is on at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury From Friday 30th November until their final show on Sunday 20th January and you can book tickets by clicking on the link below.

BOOK SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMINE TICKETS HERE

Questions For Faye - #12

Right, time for a dual post.

It's not only the next instalment of Questions For Faye but also time for the next Legally Blonde track I found on YouTube.

Why a dual post you ask?

Well I think that will become fairly obvious once I post question #12 so let's get on with it.


Question #12
What was your favourite song from Legally Blonde?

Faye's Answer
So Much Better !!


See, told you it was obvious : -)

A fine choice by Faye in my opinion. A great feel-good song and the point in the show where Elle finally realises she doesn't need Warner to make her happy.

Of course this track also features Faye / Elle taunting Warner saying getting the internship feels "So, So, So, So, SO MUCH Better" than making love to him. Her acting here rivalled Meg Ryan in 'When Harry Met Sally' for realism : -)

So without further ado, here it is. Enjoy!

Legally Blonde - So Much Better

Questions For Faye - #11

Faye and the cast of Sleeping Beauty in Canterbury had their first run through last weekend ahead of the shows opening night this Friday 30th November.

@Faye_Brookes Sleeping Beauty Run through today...The Guys and Girlies in this cast are awesome! Get your tickets for Clismas treat! #pantoland

Canterbury are lucky to have such a fantastic cast for this years panto and I'm sure a lot of those seeing the show this Christmas will go back for a second viewing before the curtain comes down for the final time on January 20th.

Anyway, time to move on to Questions For Faye


Question #11
What was your worst moment on tour?

Faye's Answer
The doggy taking a wee on me on stage !!.


Naughty Bruiser! Although, I guess it could have been Rufus? Either way, not nice.

However, I guess it was inevitable that it would happen at some point.

I quite often saw our doggy friends on their pre show walkies but they obviously didn't spend quite enough pennies before this particular show : -)

Sleeping Beauty Video Teaser

As you can see, Faye has gone from a tea drinking cutie to a black and white beauty in her latest Twitter picture; always beautiful :)

Anyway, as we're closing in on the opening night for Sleeping Beauty in Canterbury I thought it was time to post the shows preview video.

Unfortunately it only features Faye very briefly because they want to keep you guessing as to just who the Disney Princess really is and what she looks like.

Of course, we already know it's the beautiful and talented Faye Brookes but if you want to see her in action you're going to have to get your tickets for the show.

There will be no better Panto this Christmas than Sleeping Beauty in Canterbury.

BOOK SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMINE TICKETS HERE

Sleeping Beauty 1 Week Countdown

If you've been keeping an eye on the countdown clock in the sidebar you'll have noticed it's just one week until Sleeping Beauty opening night in Canterbury.

I found this video interview with Gareth Gates - Prince Charming - talking about panto season and thought I should feature it on the blog; especially as Faye makes a brief appearance about a minute in : -)

Questions For Faye - #10

Providing it wasn't washed out by all the rain the Deal Christmas lights should now be illuminating the Kent skyline and to celebrate I thought it was time for the return of Questions For Faye.


Question #10
What has been your best / favourite moment on tour?

Faye's Answer
Has to be opening night in Liverpool.


I really wish I could have been there for the opening night because I'm sure it was a very special occasion.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait too long because the second destination on tour was Bristol - my home town - where I got to see Legally Blonde 3 times.

That was the first time I saw Faye Brookes and I was instantly blown away by this petite blonde with powerhouse vocals and immense stage presence.  I knew then that I'd have to see this show again.....................and again and again and again : -)

Meet & Greet At Fenwick's

Faye and the cast of Sleeping Beauty will be busy this Saturday.

As previously mentioned they'll be switching on the Christmas lights in Dover at 5:30pm but before that there is a special meet and greet at the Fenwick department store in Canterbury.

Ever wanted to meet a Disney Princess? Well nows your chance.

They will appear in the toy section of the store from 3.45pm to 4.15pm.

Below are a few more details about the Christmas lights events in Deal and Dover:

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Deal Town Christmas Light Switch-On to be held on Thursday 22 November 2012 at St George's Church forecourt.

Music from 6pm; Father Christmas arrives at 7pm. Lights switched on at 7.30pm.

See Faye Brookes, Toyah Willcox, Gareth Gates and other stars of Sleeping Beauty plus music by Black Catt Disco and The Kingsdown Band. 

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Christmas starts in Dover the 24th November this year as the Town Council are hosting the annual Christmas Switch-on event. It is expected that there will be more of a community involvement than ever before as a number of local organisations step forward, keen to become involved. 

The precinct will come alive with festive cheer from 9.00am-5.30pm as a number of activities take place throughout the town. Dover Community Radio will be the leading stage organisers in the Market Square and the multi-cultural band Bettesteiner Foot Stompers (as seen on last week’s on the Alan Titchmarsh show) will be one of many groups providing street music. There will also be Festive workshops run by London Road Community Forum & Dover Community Garden where children and families can create Christmas cards and wreaths, Dover Lions club are providing a Santa’s Grotto and hot chestnuts in the Market Square. 

The light switch-on itself will take place at 5.30pm in the Market Square with the Mayor of Dover being supported by the cast of the Marlowe Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty who include amongst others; Gareth Gates, Toyah Wilcox and star of the west end, Faye Brookes.

Legally Blonde - Chip On My Shoulder

What was up with X-Factor last night, Ella and James bottom 2. I agree with Faye, utter madness >:(

@Faye_Brookes  Gutted.... My vote is totally torn! What is going on X Factor sort it out!!! Shocked!! Utterly shocked!!! x what do you think guys? x 

Anyway, I think it must be time for another Legally Blonde tour track.

Legally Blonde - Chip On My Shoulder

Questions For Faye - #9

You can again blame my beloved football team Bristol Rovers for the lack of blog posts yesterday.

I made the near 400 mile round trip up north to Rochdale to watch my team throw away a 1 goal lead to lose 2-1; that was our 5th defeat in 6 games :(

There were a couple of bright points.

I stopped at Stafford services on the way up and the display in WHS featured the below magazine, which of course made me think of the wonderful Faye Brookes.

Also, travelling to Rochdale took me very near our girls home town of Flixton and on me way back to Bristol I stopped for a meal at a nice pub on the banks of the canal. I think it was called The Barn Own and it was only about 6 miles away from Faye's old stomping ground so she may have visited it herself in the past.

Anyway, lets move on to Questions For Faye.



Question #9
What has been your favourite tour destination and which has been your favourite theatre?

Faye's Answer
The end at Wimbledon has to be the best but I loved all the destinations and theatres. Travelling all over the country was unbelievable.


I saw 15 shows in 10 different destinations - I think - and loved all of them but my favourite theatre was probably Cardiff. It really was state of the art.

My favourite destination would be Wimbledon and Faye is right, the finale was so special it has to go down as the best.

More Christmas Lights Details

I found the below report on the Faversham People website which gives a few more details about these events. A bit late for last nights big Christmas lights switch on in Canterbury but might be useful for anyone planning on going to Herne Bay, Whitstable or Faversham.


Faversham People Article

WITH just six weeks until Christmas, the festive season gets properly under way this week, with panto stars turning on town centre lights. 

The cast of Sleeping Beauty at the Marlowe Theatre, will be flicking the switch in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable, with many shops staying open late. 

 The funs kicks off today (Thursday 15th) in St George's Street, Canterbury, at 4pm with entertainment including Canterbury Rock Choir. 

Tomorrow (Friday 16th) the cast light up Herne Bay along with members of Theatrecraft's Christmas pantomime from 4pm. The lights go on at 5pm. 

On Saturday they flick the switch outside Whitstable library in Oxford Street at 6pm after a parade from Starvation Point, at the top of Harbour Street, from 5pm. There will also be festive events at Whitstable Castle all day. 

Faversham's Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm on Saturday, November 24 in the Market Square.


According to an earlier report Faye Brookes and the cast of Sleeping Beauty will also be turning on the Christmas lights in Deal on Thursday 22nd November at 7:30pm.

If I find out more details about any these events I'll let you know.

Questions For Faye - #8

Before I get on to Question #8, I just want remind you that it's the big Christmas lights switch on in Canterbury tonight at 5:30pm.

According to Visit Canterbury the full Pantomime cast from Sleeping Beauty will be appearing so that should include our very own Faye Brookes.

Oh and if you see our favourite Disney Princess, take a picture and send it to us at, fayebrookesblog@gmail.com

Right, on to the next of our Questions For Faye.


Question #8
Did you change anything in your performance as Elle Woods from when you started back in June 2011 to when the show ended in October 2012?

Faye's Answer
Well of course, we'd all get a little bored if I didn't shake things up !!


I'm not totally sure why I asked that question because I could have answered it myself having seen the show 15 times.

Faye was never anything less than incredible but I was always astounded how she seemed to become even more amazing every time I saw her.

Legally Blonde - Ireland

Although Faye doesn't actually sing this particular Legally Blonde track, she does feature and it is a great song, so I thought I should include it in my round up.

Questions For Faye will return tomorrow.

Legally Blonde - Ireland

Canterbury Christmas Lights

I found a report today confirming that the cast of this years Sleeping Beauty panto at the Marlowe Theatre will be turning on the Christmas lights in 5 different locations around Canterbury and Kent.

These are:
Canterbury (15 Nov / 5.30pm)
Herne Bay (16 Nov / 5.00pm)
Whitstable (17 Nov / 6.00pm)
Deal (22 Nov / 7.30pm) 
Dover (24 Nov / 5.30pm)

Hopefully Sleeping Beauty herself - Faye Brookes - will be present for these special festive occasions.

If you live in or near any of these areas and are planning on attending then get there early because this cast of stars is sure to draw a crowd.

Oh and if you see our favourite Disney Princess, take a picture and send it to us at, fayebrookesblog@gmail.com

Please note that the Sleeping Beauty cast appearing at the above events are thus far unconfirmed. As is which cast members will be participating in each switch-on!

Questions For Faye - Bonus Question

I've recently had a few of Faye's fans ask me what her voice type is. Now although I know she has a beautiful voice I'm not sure that was the answer they were looking for.

However I've now asked the lady herself and decided to post her response on the blog as a bonus Q&A in our Questions For Faye series.


Bonus Question
What is your voice type?

Faye's Answer
Mezzo Soprano

I know a good voice when I hear one and Faye has an incredible voice, but when it comes to voice types I really don't have much idea; so massive thanks to Faye for getting back to me with the answer.

Questions For Faye - #7

Well as you've may have noticed from our countdown clock on the right of the blog it's 3 weeks today until Faye's opening night in Sleeping Beauty.

I'll be adding a few promotional pictures and a couple of videos over the next couple of weeks as we build up to panto season.

For now we'll return to Questions For Faye and next up is #7.

Question 7
Did you ever get chance to see Legally Blonde in the West End?  If so, who played Elle Woods and what did you think of their interpretation?

Faye's Answer
I saw all of the Elle's in London and I loved how each of them had their very own spin on the role of Elle Woods.

As I've previously mentioned, I was lucky enough to see 3 different Elle's in London, Sheridan Smith, Susan McFadden and Carley Stenson and Faye is right, they did all put their own spin on the role.

I really enjoyed Sheridan and Susan but never really warmed to Carley. However, noone can hold a candle to Faye Brookes.

Legally Blonde - Positive

It's time for another one of the Legally Blonde Tour tracks I found on YouTube and next up is 'Positive'.

I know I've said this about almost every song so far but this is another of my favourites. I mean, honestly, what male wouldn't love watching Faye Brookes shake her junk : -)

Questions For Faye will return tomorrow.

Legally Blonde - Positive

Questions For Faye - #6

I'm a day late again I know. I spent last night freezing my butt off watching Bristol Rovers lose their forth consecutive game; this time to Southend.

I know a certain Lewis Griffiths (UPS Guy in Legally Blonde) will be very happy with that result.

Anyway, you don't want to hear about football, you're here for Faye, so I'll get right on with the next question.


Question 6
If the Legally Blonde Tour came back or it returned to the West End would you ever consider taking on the role of Elle Woods again?

Faye's Answer
Without a doubt !!


Short and sweet but exactly what I wanted to hear. Just to know there's a possibility, no matter how slim, gives us hope.

They couldn't find anyone better that's for sure.

Having said all that, Faye has the talent to play so many roles and whatever part comes next I know she'll be as captivating as ever.

Questions For Faye - #5

Before we get on to Question #5 I want to wish Faye luck for the Sleeping Beauty rehearsals that start next week.

@Faye_Brookes One week today and the magical cast of Sleeping Beauty will begin their rehearsals... Excited? 

You could say Faye has been practising for this part all her life. She's been a fine sleeper since an early age : -)

I'm sure the whole cast will have a blast and it will be a thoroughly entertaining show. I'm looking forward to seeing it in December and January.

Right, on to the next of our Questions For Faye.


Question 5
Will you get to keep an audio CD or DVD of any Legally Blonde Tour performance so as you can look back on your incredible time as little Miss Woods, Elle?

Faye's Answer
No, unfortunately not. The production team will always keep the recordings.


That's a real shame but thankfully there are a few sneaky souls who recorded parts of the show and uploaded them to YouTube for us all to enjoy.

We of course feature them here on the blog quite regularly : -)

In my opinion these shows are overly strict. Watching videos or listenning to audio recording of great shows like the Legally Blonde Tour only make me want to see the real thing even more.

Questions For Faye - #4

I know, I know, I promised you the forth instalment of Questions For Faye yesterday but unfortunately I got waylaid drowning my sorrows after another Bristol Rovers defeat.

Anyway, I'm back, sober and ready for round 4.


Question 4
Will you get to keep any of Elle's clothes when the Legally Blonde Tour is over and which would you like in your wardrobe?

Faye's Answer
I'm keeping the Bunny Outfit and all of my shoes !!


I'm sure we're all delighted that Faye is keeping the bunny outfit : -)  Trust me when I say nobody wears it better.

Unfortunately I don't think it will feature in Sleeping Beauty.

As for the shoes, I think Vivienne says it best:

But I see a star
You're my new muse
You've got the best freakin' shoes!
And you lit a fuse
So go show them who's
Legally Blonde!

Faye actually managed to look great in every one of the outfits she wore during the show. Whether it was the dresses, bunny outfit, pink tracksuit or just jeans and a t-shirt, Faye looked incredible.

Legally Blonde - What You Want

I've decided to shake things up a bit today.

Instead of the next instalment of Questions for Faye it's time for the next Legally Blonde UK Tour track I found on YouTube, What You Want.

Don't worry Questions For Faye will return tomorrow.

I love all the songs in LB but this would defintely be one of my favourites.

Faye starts off in her pink tracksuit before changing into her sparkly Harvard presentation outfit and proves she's a triple threat; phenomenal dancer, beautiful singer and an incredible actress.

It's a miracle how she manages to breath yet alone sing after the brilliant but ridiculously fast paced dance routine.

Legally Blonde - What You Want

Questions For Faye - #3

It's time for another of our Questions For Faye posts and I expect most of you have already guessed what might follow question #2.

That's right, question #3 : -)


Question 3
Have you ever forgotten your words or any of your dance moves during a Legally Blonde show?

Faye's Answer
Yes, of course. I'm only human after all. When it happens it really is the scariest thing EVER !!


I saw the Legally Blonde tour about 15 times and never noticed Faye forget a word or put a foot out of place with her dance moves but realistically it must happen to every performer from time to time.

If she did ever have a brain freeze during any of the shows I was at she certainly covered it up very well. I suppose that's what all great performers learn to do.