Grand reviews for panto

Audiences gave a huge thumbs-up to this year's panto at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre which rocked to the sound of cheers, boos and non-stop laughter. Dick Whittington is set to delight adults and children alike during its seven-week run with spectacular sets, lavish costumes and a cast of TV favourites.

Families spilled out on to Lichfield Street with big smiles and were full of praise for the performances after Saturday's previews. The biggest plaudits went to the Captain and Mate played by the Krankies, the irrepressible Scottish husband and wife comedy duo who have been performing together for more than 30 years.

The line-up also also includes former Brookside star Sam Kane in the title role, Dani Harmer from ITV's Tracy Beaker and ex-EastEnder Leslie Grantham.

Diane Moore, aged 48, from Penn, took six-year-old grand-daughter Millie. "The Krankies were fantastic – they're still going strong," said Diane.

Evette Flavell, of Wombourne, who was with five-year-old daughter Georgia, agreed. She said: "The Krankies were amazing. They just seem to get better."

It was a family outing for Steve and Melissa Cutter, of Bilbrook, son Ben, aged nine, and seven-year-old Maisie.

Ben gave the panto eight out of 10, while sister Maisie gave it full marks. "The lady in the Krankies was really good," she said.

Grandmother Jenifer Caine, 68, travelled from Bridgnorth with four children aged between three and nine. She said: "Panto is a lovely way to start off a new generation of theatre-goers, and this one is brilliant."

Daisy Barrett-Nash, 13, of Stourbridge, thought Wee Jimmy Krankie, alias Janette Tough, was the best. "All the different voices she does are great. It was one of the best pantos I've seen."

Dick Whittington runs until January 27. Call 01902 429212 for tickets. The panto officially opens tomorrow night and will be reviewed in Wednesday's Express & Star.