Curtain up on Wolverhampton's Snow White

The panto season was kicking off in Wolverhampton today – and these new pictures give a taste of the fun and games in store over the festive season.

The Grand Theatre was holding its first performance this afternoon of this year's colourful production Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, starring husband-and-wife team Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane.

These photographs show the extravaganza in all its glory with Linda appearing on stage in a variety of eye-catching outfits as the Wicked Queen.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures.

She even dons a saucy negligee at one point.

Along with some great special effects the audiences will also see performances by local children as the dwarfs who find Snow White, played by talented actress, singer and harpist Eloise Irving, in their forest home.

Fourteen youngsters have been chosen to play the Seven Dwarfs, divided into two teams for the run of the show.

Sam Kane plays the dashing and colourful Prince Charming in a role which also sees him directing the show. He is known for starring in Brookside and also appeared on Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

Children from across the Black Country were today among the first to experience the thrill of the annual extravaganza, which will entertain audiences throughout December and January.

The stars of the show and their fellow cast members made their final preparations yesterday with a dress rehearsal before taking to the stage.

Linda and Sam appear in the show alongside comedy double act The Grumbleweeds and singing sensation Niki Evans.

This year sees the couple chalk up their 14th pantomime season together.

They last appeared on stage together at the Grand Theatre in Robin Hood in 1998 which marked the re-opening of the theatre after its £9 million refurbishment.

With a 25-year career in film, television and stage, Linda has performed in pantos across the country and Sam has been a stalwart of musical theatre for many years.

The Grumbleweeds take on the roles of Muddles and Chambers while Niki Evans, who appeared in Cinderella at the Grand Theatre two years ago, joins the cast in the role of The Fairy.

Niki is best known for her appearance in the fourth series of the X Factor in 2007.

She is currently appearing as Mrs Johnstone in the current UK national tour of Blood Brothers.

This year's show is being produced by those behind last year's pantomime Aladdin.

The Grand will be hosting Jack and The Beanstalk as a pantomime next year.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at the theatre until January 22.

Tickets can be booked on 01902 429212, or online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk