Big shows coming to Wolverhampton Grand

Des O'Connor, Paul Merton, Joe Pasquale, and Robert Powell will be among the big names coming to Wolverhampton in the new year as theatre bosses reveal a star-studded line-up to their new spring programme.

The Grand Theatre, in Lichfield Street, will also welcome other heavyweight names of theatre, comedy and entertainment including Derren Brown, Jim Davidson, The Chuckle Brothers and former Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates.

Controversial comic Jim Davidson will bring his The Legend tour to Wolverhampton on March 18 followed by Birds of a Feather live on March 19-24.

The latter will see enduring comedy trio Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph reunited for a six-night, seven-show run of their new show which has been created especially for the theatre.

The Chuckle Brothers, Barry and Paul, will showcase their time-travelling adventure Pirates of the River Rother from April 7-8, before Des O'Connor hosts a night of music and comedy on April 22.

TV illusionist Derren Brown will round off the month when he brings his Svengali tour from April 30-May 5.

Magic, suggestion, psychology and mis-direction are promised during a performance which is deemed not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Have I Got News For You favourite Paul Merton will host a night of music and magic on May 6 when his Out of My Head tour arrives in Wolverhampton for one night only.

The classic musical Chicago will bring the glamour of the West End to the Black Country from May 14-19.

Former Hollyoaks and The Bill favourite Ali Bastian will take the famous role of Roxie Hart while EastEnders star Stefan Booth, who plays Greg Jessop, will play Billy Flynn. Tupele Dorgu, best known for playing Coronation Street's Kelly Crabtree, will take up the role of Velma Kelly while Bernie Nolan will appear as matron 'Mama' Morton.

The American rock musical Hair will see Gareth Gates perform alongside fellow Pop Idol star Zoe Birkett in a newly-announced show which will run from June 5-9.

Dynasty and Bad Girls star Kate O'Mara will then take up the lead role in Agatha Christie's Murder on the Nile from May 21-26. She will appear alongside TVs Denis Lill, whose CV includes stints on The Royal and Dr Who, Footballers' Wives star Chloe Newsome, former Soldier Soldier star Ben Nealon and 60s pop icon Mark Wynter.

Joe Pasquale and Robert Powell will help round off a busy spring as the stars of medical comedy Doctor in the House, which will run from June 11-16.

Iain Watkins, marketing manager at the Grand Theatre, said: "There's a very exciting year ahead of us at the Grand, with the best in top musicals, drama and comedy and a host of performers ranging from Derren Brown to Des O'Connor. With tickets for next year's panto about to go on sale alongside this year's Snow White, we're definitely feeling very festive at the Grand."

The Grand have also confirmed next year's Christmas pantomime will be Jack and The Beanstalk, which will run from December 8, 2012 until January 20, 2013.

This year's festive panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs stars Linda Lusardi, Sam Kane, Nikki Evans and The Grumbleweeds.

The show will run from December 10-January 22 and ticket prices range from £15.50-£25.50.

To book tickets for any of the above shows call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.info