Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane heading to city for panto

Bosses at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre today spoke of their delight at welcoming Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane back to the city after it was announced the couple would star in next year's pantomime Snow White.

The pair will take on the lead roles as The Wicked Queen and the Prince in next year's pantomime.

The show has been announced just days before larger-than-life star Christopher Biggins prepares for his role as Widow Twankey in this year's 3D show Aladdin at the Lichfield Street theatre.

Both Linda and Sam are no strangers to the pantomime at the Lichfield Street theatre. She starred as Snow White in 1993 alongside Star Wars actor Kenny Baker and The Chuckle Brothers.

After a 10-month closure in 1998 for refurbishment, both appeared in a production of Robin Hood alongside John Inman while Sam Kane again performed at the venue as Dick Whittington in 2007.

Theatre bosses today spoke of their delight at attracting top stars to the venue every year, and spoke of the importance of the annual pantomime for the city.

Spokeswoman Vicky Price said: "The panto is really important to the community in Wolverhampton.

"It brings together people from all over the country. Last year we had people travelling from up and down the UK and it will probably be even more this year because of Christopher Biggins and Paul Zerdin. It also really helps the economy in Wolverhampton because people are coming into the city and having meals and spending money here. The pantomime is really the heart of the Grand Theatre."

Tickets for Snow White will go on sale on December 13. Aladdin opens on December 10 and tickets are still up for grabs.