It’s that time of year again (oh yes it is!) when children and adults flock to theatres to see all their favourite characters in panto. Here’s a round-up of what’s on locally….
Jack and the Beanstalk at Wolves
Pop-star and musical theatre favourite Gareth Gates will be taking the title role in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 9 December to 14 January. The panto also stars Lisa Riley, Doreen Tipton, and Graham Cole. Gareth Gates rose to stardom as runner-up in the UK’s first Pop Idol and he has sold more than 3.5 million records in the UK. He also appeared on Dancing on Ice and played Marius in the 25th anniversary tour of ‘Les Misérables’.
“I’ve performed in eight pantomimes and played the Prince and Aladdin,” said Gareth. “But I’ve never played Jack before, so I can’t wait to be in the panto in Wolverhampton… it’s going to be lots of fun!”
Standard tickets are £19 – call 01902 429212 or go online to grandtheatre.co.uk.
Peter Pan in Telford…
At Oakengates Thatre @ The Place, panto goers can follow the boy who refuses to grow up and his fairy sidekick Tinkerbell into the nursery of Wendy, John and Michael Darling – then fly with them on a whirlwind journey to Neverland. ‘Peter Pan’ will run from Wednesday 6 December to Sunday 31 December, with a special relaxed performance on Sunday 17. Tickets are priced from £10-£18.50. Call or visit the box office on 01952 382328 or theplacetelford.com.
…and in Bridgnorth!
Meanwhile audiences at Bridgnorth’s Theatre on the Steps can also meet Wendy, Michael and John Darling as they whirl with Peter Pan to the place where children never grow old. This good old-fashioned pantomime offers plenty of laughs, lively dances and toe-tapping music combined with flying sequences specially choreographed for the Theatre on the Steps by Blue Chilli Flying. ‘Peter Pan – The Panto’ will run from 6 to 27 January with Saturday and Sunday matinees. Tickets start from £9 from theatreonthesteps.co.uk or 01746 766477.
Snow White in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury will play host to Shropshire’s favourite dame – yes, Brad Fitt is back for ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’, taking the stage alongside Eric Smith of BBC Radio Shropshire. Enduringly popular, this panto sees brave Snow White stand up to her wicked stepmother. The show runs from Wednesday 29 November to Sunday 7 January with tickets priced from £12 to £24.50. Call the box office on 01743 281281 or visit theatresevern.co.uk
