Alison Norton's theatre and am dram round up - December 16

I was delighted to be invited to attend the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, earlier this week and it is absolutely stunning,

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I guess if you take a celebrity couple like Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane, the hilarious comedy veterans, The Grumbleweeds and cute kids you really can't go wrong, but add to that incredible special effects, dazzling costumes and magical scenery and you've got probably the best pantomime in the country.

And watch out for Linda's amazing stunt just before the interval. All I'll say is she's a brave lady! I won't spoil it for you, but it is not to be missed!

Christmas music and kids just go together perfectly don't they? There's nothing like a children's choir singing festive tunes to tug at the heart-strings. How many of you have sat in tears at nativities, carol concerts and school plays? I know I have.

With this in mind, I can't wait to see the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Glee choir perform their Christmas concert at Newhampton Arts Centre on December 19.

This talented group of youngsters, under the instruction of Louise Bent, the Education Officer from the Grand, are ready to perform Grand Ambition Glee Christmas Cabaret, which is filled with festive classics, as well as new Glee-inspired numbers, including Baby, It's Cold Outside, Last Christmas, Rockin' Robin, Santa Baby, All I Want for Christmas, O Holy Night and Jingle Bell Rock.

Leaving pantomimes and Christmas behind for a moment and looking towards the spring season at the Grand, tickets are already on sale for Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company's next production, Half a Sixpence, which runs from March 13-17.

Rehearsals are well under way now and this year the company has decided to present a signed performance on March 14.

So if this performance suits your needs, book your seats now.

Half a Sixpence is a lively, traditional musical with plenty of song and dance. It's a treat for any audience.

For further information call the box office on 01902 429212 or visit www.muscom-operatic.co.uk

There's some thrilling news from Sharon Hopkins who performs with a local choir, Viva Musica, this week.

Sharon and her chums are all set to take part in their Christmas Carol Concert on December 17 at St James' Church, Wollaston, which promises to be a glittering evening of festive cheer, but much more exciting than that, the group have invited the superb tenor, Alfie Boe, to join them for their next concert on May 15.

Sharon told me: "Our committee decided that as it was a special year because of the Queen's Jubilee, we would splash out and try to get a special guest to join us at our concert.

"Alfie Boe was actually our first choice. Negotiations took place with his management and hey presto! He said yes.

"He will perform for 15 minutes in each half. We don't know as yet what he will be singing but I'm sure it will be sensational."

This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of Viva Musica and at the same time raise funds for charity.

Watch this space for more information on the programme for the evening, but if you can't wait, call the Dudley Concert Hall box office on 01384 812812.

Thinking of taking up a new hobby in the New Year? You could do worse than joining an amateur theatre or musical group.

HATS Drama Group, based at Whittington Village Hall, is on the look-out for new members. Kay Hughes from the group pointed out that you do not have to be a performer to be involved.

The group are also looking for scenery constructors, stage hands, a prompt, properties masters, costume designers and front of house helpers.

They are about to go into rehearsal for their next production, Murder In Company, a mystery thriller, which will be performed in March 2012. HATS meet every Tuesday evening at 8pm, so just turn up or call Kay Hughes on 01543 490355 or Steve Newman on 01827 383799.

For further information on this group, visit www.hatsdrama.com

Finally this week, you can still grab a ticket for tomorrow evening's performance of the 40th Anniversary Concert presented by Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, at Brownhills College theatre.

With, appropriately 40 songs from the best-loved shows, including West Side Story, Oklahoma!, Showboat and Sweet Charity, it's a must for anyone who loves musical theatre.

There's a matinee at 2.30pm and an evening performance at 7.30pm. For tickets contact 07532189689.

That's all from me until early January now, so have a merry Christmas and a happy new year and get ready to send me all your am dram news for 2012 at a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk

Break a leg!

Related Stories:

• Video: Linda Lusardi talks us through her Snow White costumes

• Video: Linda Lusardi and family backstage at the panto

• Review: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

• Curtain up on Wolverhampton’s Snow White