Midlands and Shropshire am dram guide

There is something very special about the Grand Theatre; it simply oozes that festive feeling and at panto time, the magic and excitement is evident from the moment you step in the door.

On stage, X Factor winner Joe McElderry is super cute in the title role and has great support from his fellow cast including Strictly Sweetheart, Lisa Riley, Dame Ian Adams, CBeebies' Mr Bloom, Ben Faulks and Black Country comedienne, Doreen Tipton, who entertain us all.

I say this every year, but honestly, amateur panto performers should go and see as many professional pantos as possible because the comic timing, the magic trickery and the delivery of script within this very British art form is unique and you can learn so much from simply watching professionals at work.

Aladdin runs from December 10 to January 22.

Call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk for tickets.

The Grand Theatre has also set up an exhibition to promote Aladdin at The Light House Centre within the Chubb Building in Wolverhampton.

Looking back over the 122 years of pantomimes at the theatre, this is a free exhibition where you can enjoy seeing authentic costumes, old programmes and props, as well as reading all about past productions.

A lot of time and effort has gone into this small, but very effective exhibition so if you are in the city, perhaps Christmas shopping, pop in and take a look.

Aldridge Youth Theatre is presenting Jack and the Beanstalk at their own venue on Noddy Park Road with a fragmented run starting on January 13, 14 and then continuing on January 19, 20, 21 and finally on January 26, 27 and 28. There are nightly performances at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Jack and his mother, Dame Dotty Durden, battle the Giant Blunderbore, aided not only by an array of colourful characters, but also a cow and a mad hen!

For tickets priced at £9 for adults and £8 for concessions call 01922 458615.

Please note however that children under the age of five years old cannot be admitted.

Startime Variety who perform at The Cornbow Hall in Halesowen, will be presenting Sleeping Beauty from January 18 to 21. This is Sleeping Beauty with a difference however. A host of additional characters are taking part and the whole show has been written by Startime Variety member, Holly Mills.

For tickets priced at £10 for adults, £9 for concessions and £35 for a family ticket, call 07901 055685 or visit www.startimevariety.co.uk

For more information about the group, contact Jeanette Greenway on 0121 550 3899.

From January 6 to 14, Oldbury Rep will be presenting Dick Whittington.

This timeless tale follows the story of a young orphan as he travels, complete with a spotted handkerchief on a stick, to London to seek his fortune. For tickets, visit www.oldburyrep.org or call 0121 552 2761.

Over in the Shropshire area, on December 21, there is a Christmas get together at Drapers Hall, Shrewsbury, the home of the monthly play readings for members of the Shropshire Drama Company.

For tickets priced at just £10 per person, email info@shropshiredramacompany.co.uk

Would you like to try your hand at directing, script writing or voice projection? If so, on January 8, the LADS will be holding a theatrical workshop, designed to beat the winter blues, at Llanymynech Village Hall from 10am to 4pm.

This is a completely free event. Visit www.ladstheatre.co.uk for the full programme of events.

Finally this week, it would seem that musicians are hard to find!

First of all, Bilston Operatic Company, who perform at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, is looking for a Musical Director to join their production team for their 2017 show, A Christmas Carol. Although the show isn't until November 21 to 25 next year, the group is already looking to recruit someone.

If you fit the bill and would like more information, contact bilstonoperatic@hotmail.co.uk

Trinity Musical Theatre Company is also looking for an MD. This time, the group is looking for someone to direct their cabaret style concert planned for the end of April 2017. Please apply to Chris@trinity-Mtc.co.uk or message the group on Facebook.

I will be back with you in the second week of January.

In the meantime, remember to keep all your news and good quality photographs coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk, call me on 01902 319662 or follow me on Twitter @AlisonNorton.

Have a very Merry Christmas and see you all again in 2017.

Break a leg!

By Alison Norton