Outlandish costumes galore as Cinderella panto opens at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

This year's annual pantomime of Cinderella was unveiled to the city's panto-loving public for the first time at the start of a six-week run.

Julian Clary is the star turn for the show, alongside Hollyoaks actor Joe Tracini and local singer Niki Evans.

The show has already broken box office records, taking £1 million in sales before the opening weekend.

The theatre this week celebrates its 120th anniversary and it is the first time it has reached the financial milestone ahead of a panto run.

Clary plays Dandini, with Tracini taking the role of Buttons.

Staff have been working feverishly hard all week doing final preparations for the big-budget show.

Hundreds of costumes – and 40 wigs – are under the control of wardrobe mistress Bek Palmer, who is doing her fourth panto at the Grand.

Ms Palmer, originally from Kingswinford but now living in London, said the show was looking great.

"There have been a couple of last minute alterations and accidents but overall it's all gone to plan," the 35-year-old said.

"Julian's got seven costumes alone, so it's quite a big operation.

"Every time he comes on stage he's wearing a new glittery costume.

"The Ugly Sisters have got seven and the chorus have five or six each – there must be hundreds in total.

"The most elaborate costumes belong to Julian and that fits nicely as he's famous for his flamboyance.

"We've got double the amount of portable wardrobes we've had in previous years, which makes it a huge show."

Also in the production is 19-year-old debutant Alice Baker as Cinders, while Grand Theatre chief executive Peter Cutchie has promised a 'truly spectacular family pantomime'.

Director Andrew Linford added: "I'm delighted to be back to Wolverhampton to direct the pantomime once again.

"The cast, crew and all the staff at the Grand have been brilliant – it's going to be a great season."

Meanwhile, choreographer Richard Peakman predicted a spectacular show.

The 34-year-old, originally from Kinver, used to do work experience at the theatre and has now come full circle to choreograph the venue's biggest show of the year.

"It's a great story – everyone loves Cinderella," he said.

"Julian is very funny and the Ugly Sisters are hysterical.

"There are dashing good looks from Prince Charming and Cinderella and cracking vocals from home-grown Niki Evans."

Mr Peakman's family will see his handiwork first-hand and he said it was an 'absolute dream' to be at the Grand. "It's a beautiful theatre which means a lot to me," he said. "Choreographing a lavish production like this is very special. Pantomimes have moved on from years gone by – it's a full-on musical which we've put together in six days. But with such great talent on board it's been plain sailing."

The Chuckle Brothers have already been announced as the stars of next year's Grand Theatre panto.

The legendary entertainers and firm panto favourites are returning to the theatre for their first Wolverhampton pantomime in 22 years for Peter Pan, for which tickets go on sale next Thursday at 10am. Cinderella runs until January 18.