Midlands pantos keep the fun coming

Let's start the year with a great opportunity for amateur actresses 'of a certain age'. Are you 55 or over? Would you like to take part in a professional production of Ealing Studios' classic comedy The Ladykillers at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre from January 28 – February 2? If so, then this is your big chance girls!

The Ladykillers is the tale of a band of ruthless conmen who hide away in the home of a dear, sweet little old lady, Mrs Wilberforce. Well, that's what they think, but she proves to be a force to be reckoned with!

Four successful ladies will take part in two hilarious scenes during the show, including matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday.

All auditionees must prepare a short poem or monologue to perform in front of a judging panel.

Anyone who would like to audition can register online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk or apply over the telephone to Vicky Price, press and PR manager on 01902 57 33 20.

Of course the panto season is still in full flow, with a variety of performances from amateur groups all over the Midlands.

From January 11-19, you can catch the timeless panto favourite, Aladdin, performed by Oldbury Rep at the Barlow Theatre, Langley. Set in the mystical land of ancient China, the hero meets an array of colourful characters on his adventures but of course it all ends happily ever after! For tickets contact Alan Wood on 01384 832556 or visit www.oldburyrep.org

There's another version of Aladdin too, this time over in Brierley Hill too, from Jan 12-19, when Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company present the panto at the Civic Hall, Bank Street. For tickets contact 084565588195.

Stourbridge Pantomime Company has chosen Cinderella for their 45th anniversary production, which they will perform from January 19-26, at Stourbridge Town Hall.

Cinderella is a difficult panto because of the required special effects and of course the transformation scene when Cinders sheds her rags and becomes a princess for the night.

I wonder if they are using live mice and a pumpkin? Either way, I know this talented group will pull it off.

Spokesman for the group Will Phipps, who is playing the role of Buttons said: "This spectacular production will contain lots of glitter and sparkle, with dazzling costumes, sets and special effects including dancing water.

It also has an outstanding cast of all ages, hilarious comedy and truly spectacular dance sequences."

For tickets contact 01384 836963 or visit www.stourbridgepanto.co.uk for more info.

A pantomime which is rarely performed these days (and I don't really know why, so if you can enlighten me, please do) is Red Riding Hood.

The wolf is knocking at the door this panto season though, as Aldridge Youth Theatre have chosen to perform it from January 11-12, 17-19 and 24-26, at their own venue in Noddy Park Road.

Adapted for this group of youngsters by Neville Ellis, it promises to be one for all the family, with a host of comedy characters including The Three Little Pigs, Dame Hatty Hood, Rose and Asbo, as well as Old Granny Hood, who is really in the firing line!

Add a handsome prince, the evil Squire Twig and Cherry Bo Peep into the mix and it sounds like complete mayhem and madness!

Linda Symonds from the group said: "We have a traditional pantomime mix of songs, dance and laughter." Sounds good to me.

One thing to remember about this one though, they are not admitting children under the age of five years old. The wolf must be really scary!

Pantomime can be exhausting, so if you fancy something a little different at this time of year, why not check out The Grange Players' production of the classic Marc Camoletti play Don't Dress For Dinner, at the Grange Playhouse, Walsall, from January 9-19.

Set in 1960, it tells the tale of Bernard, who lives with his wife Jacqueline in a lavishly converted farmhouse just outside Paris.

But while the cat is away, the mice play and so when Jacqueline goes to visit her mother, Bernard seizes the opportunity to hook up with his saucy mistress, Suzanne.

But unbeknownst to Bernard, his wife is also having an affair – with his best friend! Chaos ensues in this comic tale. For tickets, priced at £9 each, visit www.grangeplayhouse.co.uk

Well, that's all for this week. Keep those emails coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk or call me on 01902 319662. Break a leg!