Jenny O'Leary, Paddy Glynn, Mark Anderson and More Star in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS at Union Theatre, Nov 29-Jan 5

The untold story of "The Princess and the Pea", ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, will play 29th November 2012 - 5th January 2013 at the Union Theatre, featuring music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer.

This Christmas the Union Theatre invites you to rediscover one of the most famous fairy tales of all time, "The Princess and the Pea", and learn that whilst the version you're familiar with might well be the prettiest, it's certainly not the most accurate!

The Union have assembled another fantastic team for this project, led by in-house producer Sasha Regan, who recently revived her award winning production of "Pirates of Penzance" for a brief appearance at London's Hackney Empire, before sending it off on an Australian tour.

Returning to direct is KIRK JAMESON, who was last seen at the Union directing "Dames at Sea" , a revival that received glowing praise from both audiences and critics alike. Choreography is by Racky Plews who has just returned from directing "The Sensational Josephine Baker" at The Beckett Theatre in New York.

So, if you're in search of a festive treat, but want to avoid yet another traditional pantomime, then this production of "Once upon a Mattress" will prove the perfect alternative for you and your family this Christmas.

Originally played on Broadway by Carol Burnett and more recently by Sarah Jessica Parker The Union introduces JENNY O'LEARY as Winnifred; the Princess with a punch! The production will also star Paddy Glynn who has appeared in Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace); An Ideal Husband and The Witches (Leicester Haymarket Theatre) as the devious Queen Aggravain and DENIS QUILLIGAN (Father Ted and Minder) as her husband, King Sextimus.

Also featuring Mark AndersON as Prince Dauntless whose credits include Mary Poppins (UK Tour); Hello Dolly (Regents Park); Legally Blonde (UK Tour) and will be joining the Broadway transfer of "Book of Mormon" in 2013.

Following in the footsteps of Bernadette Peters and Jane Krakowski, Kimberly Blake stars as Lady Larkin. Kimberly was in the critically acclaimed Sweeney Todd (Adelphi) and the Olivier award winning La Boheme (Opera Up Close). She is paired with STIOFAN O'DOHERTY whose credits include Noctrophia (Hampstead Theatre) and Orpheus The Mythical (Royal Opera House) and will play the all too charming Sir Harry.

After playing the leading man in The Union's Dames at Sea, DANIEL BARTLETT makes a return as the tap dancing Jester, joined by Ashley Cooper as Sir Studley who will join the 10th Anniversary world tour of We Will Rock You , early next year. DANIELLE MORRIS , LUCY MILLS, NATALIE BENNYWORTH ,RYAN LIMB, MATTHEW DAW and GREGORY HAZEL make up the rest of this exciting cast.

This production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd on behalf of R&H Theatricals of New York.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS runs Tuesday - Sunday at 7.30pm; plus Sundays at 2.30pm and Saturday 5th Jan (no performances24th Dec - 1st Jan). Press Performance - Saturday 1st December, 7:30pm, directed by Kirk Jameson, choreographed by Racky Plews and with musical direction by Alex Parker.

The Union Theatre is located at Union Street, Southwark. SE1 0LX. All Tickets - £18. Box Office - 0207 261 9876. For more information, visit www.uniontheatre.biz.