A DRAGON being flown in from Peru is just one of many firsts for the forthcoming summer pantomime at Bolton Albert Halls.

Sleeping Beauty, by Joseph Purdy productions, runs from July 26 to August 11 and is the seventh Bolton production by the company since March.

“Bolton audiences are great and that’s why I keep coming back,” said producer Joseph Purdy. “They enjoy it, they embrace it and they’re up for it. The people are so nice and friendly. They’re decent and they really root for you.”

He has chosen Sleeping Beauty because it has never been performed at the Albert Halls before.

A brand new script has been written by James Brandon and a 12ft dragon, currently being made in Peru, is one of many “wow” features.

The show stars Jade Natalie of Nickelodeon fame as Princess Aurora, and Yvette Royle from the TV show Altogether Now as Fairy Fabulous.

Popular dame Richard Aucott will be wreaking havoc as the Queen.

For the first time, there will be a “relaxed” performance.

“This is for those on the autistic spectrum. We dim the lights, don’t have any pyrotechnics and leave the doors open so they can go in and out.”

Another first for the company is a one-night-only adult performance, titled Sleep With Beauty.

“The cast will have free rein to ad-lib and improvise,” explained Joseph. “They can say what they want, put smutty jokes in and play pranks. We’ll just see what happens.

“There’s not much entertainment for adults on a summer evening so I think it will be fun to offer them a naughty pantomime.”

Joseph’s productions have always been a hit with Bolton audiences and he attribuites this to the affordable £5t ickets.

“We’re not about making loads of money. If I walk out and see the kids happy and smiling then I’ve done my job.

For performance details and ticket information please visit www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk