43,000 rush for Wolverhampton Grand Theatre panto tickets
Oh yes it's that time of year again. And it seems panto dames, slapstick comedy and men wearing tights on stage is once again all the rage after it emerged thousands of us have snapped up tickets to head to the theatre.
More than 43,000 tickets have been sold to people wanting to go and see this year's pantomime Sleeping Beauty starring comedian Joe Pasquale at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre.
Bosses say sales are up compared to this time last year when more than 59,000 went to see Jack and the Beanstalk over its six-week run.
Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Peter Cutchie said: "This year's festive production features the very best in traditional family entertainment but with all the glamour and excitement of the West End built in."
Rehearsals are already well underway with the show set to open at the Lichfield Street venue on Saturday.
The former I'm A Celebrity winner will be joined on stage by international cabaret artist Ceri Dupree and Coronation Street star Lucy Evans.
The Wolverhampton Grand will be competing against the Birmingham Hippodrome which will host the UK's biggest pantomime with a star-studded version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
West End star Gary Wilmot will be playing the dame alongside Gok Wan and Stephanie Beacham.
