Theatre’s star-studded spring line-up

A galaxy of stars will grace the stage at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre in an action-packed spring season.

Among the highlights is The Agatha Christie Theatre Company’s And Then There Were None, featuring a line-up of veteran actors.

The cast includes Peter Byrne, who made his name as Pc Andy Crawford in Dixon Of Dock Green, actor Gerald Harper, best known for playing the lead role in Adam Adamant Lives, and actress Chloe Newsome, who played Alec Gilroy’s granddaughter Vicky McDonald in Coronation Street. It runs from February 11 to 16.

Following on from the successful panto Dick Whittington, which ended on Sunday having grossed £1 million at the box office, the season begins in earnest this week with Hello Dolly!

The award-winning musical starring ex-EastEnder Anita Dobson and former Joseph star Darren Day is full of memorable songs such as Put On Your Sunday Clothes and Ribbons Down My Back. Opening night is Friday and it runs until next Saturday.

Coming up in March is Disney’s blockbusting High School Musical on its first ever national tour.

The live stage show is based on the Emmy Award-winning American television film, one of the most successful Disney Channel original movies produced, with a sequel last August last year and a feature film sequel in the planning. There will be two evenings of wonder with mind-bending Derren Brown on April 18 and 19.

Other shows include A Night At The Music Hall from March 26 to 28 starring Don McClean and Sleuth from April 7 to 12 starring Simon MacCorkindale of Casualty fame and Michael Praed, veteran of TV classic Robin Of Sherwood.

Simply Ballroom, the ballroom dance spectacular hosted by Dick Whittington star Sam Kane and Sophie Lawrence, will run from April 24 to 26, while classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific will be entertaining audiences between March 31 and April 5.

Other highlights include Willy Russell’s enduring masterpiece Blood Brothers, from May 12 to 24, while the Russian State Opera of Siberia present Madam Butterfly and La Boheme on June 2 and 3.

Grand Theatre marketing manager Iain Watkins said: “We’ve really got a very exciting season of shows ahead, ranging from this week’s launch of Hello Dolly! to a first visit for the Siberian opera in June.

“Personally, I’m looking forward to Derren Brown’s mind-blowing live show and the stage adaptation of Horrible Histories, both in April, and the very funny comedy version of The 39 Steps, which starts on February 25. There really is something for everyone.”

For full details of the spring season programme log on to www.thegrandthe atre.co.uk or pick up a programme.