Midlands youngsters can shine in Wolverhampton Grand panto

While the nights are still light and the sun is shining it is hard to imagine cold winter evenings and the festive sparkle of fairy dust but celebrity couple – ex-model turned businesswoman Linda Lusardi and her husband Sam Kane – are already making plans for their appearance in the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre panto, which this year is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The Grand prides itself on traditional Christmas entertainment, but this is a panto with a difference, as this time the seven dwarfs will be played by local children, thus offering them the opportunity to gain experience by appearing in a professional production.

At 11am on Saturday, August 13, Sam Kane and Jonathan Kiley, the executive producer of Snow White, will be holding an open audition at the Grand Theatre to find the magnificent seven.

"They'll be queuing up the street," said Sam.

No previous stage experience is needed. Children just need to come along and perform their party piece – perhaps a poem, a monologue or simply tell a joke.

However, they must be between 4ft 1 and 4ft 8 tall and aged eight years or over.

If you wish to audition, you must register first via www.grandtheatre.co.uk and be prepared to stay all day. Oh, and bring an adult with you.

Panto couple Linda and Sam are alrdy looking forward to the season in Wolverhampton.

"Midlands audiences are brilliant, really receptive and up for a good time", said Linda.

"They have a great sense of humour and so they get all the gags straight away," Sam continued.

So is working together and living together difficult?

"No, it actually makes it easier," said Linda.

"We are an enigma in show business," said Sam, "We are actually a happy couple and like each other."

As well as playing the Prince, Sam is also directing the panto for the ninth year on the trot and so he has his work cut out.

Linda has played the Wicked Queen for the last nine years too, having previously played Snow White and she loves the part.

"It is nice to have something to get your teeth into" she said.

"I felt like it was a promotion from Snow White because she is a much meatier character."

In addition to Linda and Sam, there will be some serious laughter this year, provided by panto veterans The Grumbleweeds and there's a local feel to the show provided by X Factor queen Nikki Evans, from Birmingham and who previously lived in Tamworth, flying in as The Fairy.

"You never know what you are going to get with the Grumbleweeds," said Sam.

Linda added: "They are by far the funniest comics in panto you can possibly have. There will be lots of shenanigans to look forward to."

In addition to all this there are some amazing flying effects to look forward to too.

"Apparently I am flying without wires," said Linda. "I don't know how though, so I can't give the game away. I'm quite a danger freak, so it won't worry me" she continued.

"It's spellbinding and audiences will love it, "said Sam.

Tickets are already selling well so if you haven't booked yet, contact the Grand Theatre box office on 01902 429212.