Derek Griffiths will return to the Norwich panto stage in Theatre Royal production of Sleeping Beauty

Actor and children's television legend Derek Griffiths is set to return to Norwich's Theatre Royal - 12 years after he last appeared in a pantomime in the city.

Derek Griffiths. Picture: Courtesy Norwich Theatre Royal - Credit: Archant

Mr Griffiths first won the hearts of Norwich panto-goers when he appeared in the 2005-2006 Theatre Royal production of Peter Pan, playing Captain Hook, and he also appeared in the theatre's production of Twelfth Night at Houghton Hall in 2007.

This time, he will play Chortwood, a butler with special powers, in Sleeping Beauty, which will be set in a grand country house at the turn of the last century.

He said: 'Norwich pantos are real class, and so are the audiences, of which I have fond memories.'

Judy Foster, communications officer at the theatre, said: 'We're thrilled that Derek is returning to the city to join our Sleeping Beauty cast. He is well-known by so many of us who grew up watching him on TV and we're sure a whole new generation of children will love him in his role as butler Chortwood.

'It will be interesting to see how many parents, who saw him here as youngsters 12 years ago in Peter Pan, will now be bringing their own children to see him in Sleeping Beauty.'

Sleeping Beauty will run from Wednesday, December 13 to Sunday, January 14. Tickets £7-£24.50, with under-threes free. To book, visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call 01603 630000.