Celebrating a birthday on stage in Wolverhampton proved to be a piece of cake for panto legend Christopher Biggins.

The 62-year-old was cheered and serenaded by a 1,200 sell-out crowd at the city’s Grand Theatre when a performance of Aladdin was halted just before the finale to mark the occasion.

Christopher Biggins, pictured with his Express & Star framed birthday present at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton.

A birthday cake specially made by the theatre’s duty manager Jo Browning that commemorated the show – in which Christopher stars as Widow Twankey – was wheeled on stage.

It was presented by Wolverhampton’s deputy mayor Councillor Bert Turner who praised the way the actor had worked as an ambassador for the city during the pantomime’s run at the Grand.

Christopher said today: “I never think about my birthday because it always occurs while I am appearing in a show and so it was a fantastic surprise when everybody made such a fuss.

“The cake was marvellous, as was the reception I received from the wonderful audience and the flowers from friends and members of the cast.” He also thanked the Express & Star for a framed mock up of a front page celebrating the birthday.

Meanwhile his friend, Hollywood star Joan Collins, was today hoping her panto debut in Birmingham would run just as smoothly.

The glamorous 77-year-old is bringing the glitz associated with Dynasty’s Alexis Colby to the West Midlands, as she takes on the role of Queen Rat in Dick Whittington at the Hippodrome.

She is joined by stars Nigel Havers as King Rat, Julian Clary as The Spirit of the Bells, Keith Harris & Orville as the hopeless Rat Catchers as well as Jeffrey Holland as Dame Felicity Fitzwarren.

It runs from today to Sunday, January 30.

For tickets call the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre on 0844 338 5000.

Aladdin also runs at the the Grand until Sunday, January 30. For more information visit www.grandtheatre.info or phone 01902 429212.