Stars take to the cobbled streets of Wolverhampton for Dick Whittington panto launch - with pictures and video
Dick Whittington is off to London to seek his fortune and find the streets that are paved with gold.
And this week the stars of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's pantomime took to the cobbled streets of Wolverhampton, arriving in a big red London bus, ahead of the show's launch in December.
Oh no they didn't! Oh yes they did!
Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas who will star as Dick Whittington, was joined in the city centre on Friday for the pantomime launch event by comedian Aaron James, the Grand's much-loved panto Dame, Ian Adams, Julie Paton and Jordan Ginger.
Completing the stellar cast is Hi-De-Hi stars Su Pollard and Jeffrey Holland, who will play the evil Queen Rat and Alderman Fitzwarren.
Ryan Thomas, who also starred in Neighbours and Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, said: "I am really looking forward to it – it is my fourth pantomime but I have never played Dick Whittington before. New role, new cast, it is always nice to freshen it up.
"We have got a really good cast here and between us all we try and bring as much entertainment to the audience – give it a good spark.
"I haven't spent much time in Wolverhampton before, so I am expecting big things. Don't let me down!"
Ian Adams, who is starring his fourth pantomime at the Grand Theatre, said: "I am back – I love the theatre, love the people, it's great.
"With Dick Whittington we are going to stick to the story, of course it is a true story.
"We have a lot of different people in the cast, from a lot of different backgrounds – you've got Sue and Jeffrey from Hi-De-Hi, then Ryan from Coronation Street, it is a really interesting mix of people I think this year. I'm looking forward to it."
Comedian and celebrity impressionist Aaron James, who plays Idle Jack, said: "I am very much looking forward to the pantomime.
"You can expect a lot of fun – having met Su Pollard and Ian Adams, they are all crazy, it is going to be good fun.
"I am playing Idle Jack so I probably won't do much! You can expect lots of laughs, few impressions and lots of banter with the audience."
Julie Paton, starring as Fairy Bowbells, added: "I am really excited to be back at the Grand. This year is my third year here – and I'm going from baddie to goodie, as I played Carabosse last year.
"We have a brilliant cast, amazing dancers – I'm very excited. It will be magical!"
In what promises to be another spectacular Grand Theatre pantomime and a 125th anniversary spectacular, theatre-goers can join hero Dick Whittington as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness as he becomes the Lord Mayor of London.
Guided by the magical Fairy Bow Bells on an adventure that sends him from London town to the High Seas headed for Morocco, can he outwit the evil Queen Rat, free London from her team of revolting rodents and win the beautiful Alice's hand in marriage?
Dick Whittington runs from Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, January 12 2020. For tickets, visit the theatre in person, call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk.
