Snooze or You’ll Lose! Sleeping Beauty panto at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - a Christmas cracker with FIVE STARS!

But it is import to say that this is a huge team effort. From the theatre front of house staff to the back stage crew, from the Princess to the orchestra, everyone has played their part to bring this home grown, regional panto to West Midlands audiences from now until January 4.

“Sleeping Beauty” is the best panto the Grand has produced for many a year, not that previous productions have been disappointing, but this one rises above the best.

Visually stunning, with lavish scenery and props worthy of a budget busting production in a much larger venue, this show could rival a West End show, as it is the perfect blend of panto and musical theatre, yet never loses sight of the traditional elements of pantomime that only we Brits love and understand.

Heading the cast are impressionist and actress Debra Stephenson and Drag Artist Danny Beard, who makes his Wolverhampton Grand debut in the role of the evil 

Taking the role of Queen Bertha of Bilstonia, Debra has every opportunity to share her unbelievably accurate and hilariously entertaining impressions with us, offering a stylish, classy performance which only goes to show why her successful career has spanned over three decades.

Meanwhile, Danny is everything and more you want from a wicked queen. Feisty, funny and with razor sharp wit, he commands the stage at every entrance, reminiscent of the late great Paul O’Grady in his Lilly Savage days, but with Danny’s very own flair. There is no expense spared on his dazzling, uber glamorous wardrobe too, which to see is worth the price of a ticket alone!

Add to all this a drag queen rendition of “The Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago”, but panto style, and you have the perfect villain, terrifying yet vulnerable, laugh out loud funny yet evil personified.

Local lad, Zak Douglas from Fordhouses, who is a star of “G’wed”, “Afterlife” and “The Good Ship Murder”, is treading the boards of his home city’s theatre in the comedy role of Gerald the Herald, and it is heartwarming to see how successful one of our very own has become. 

This role gives Zak the opportunity to bring his very own style of comedy to the stage and his obvious connection with the local audience is evident from the off. I predict a great future for this young man, and not just here in 

And yet another local performer, Solomon Davy from Codsall is taking part of Prince Stephen. An established musical theatre performer, Solomon is every inch the handsome prince, making the ladies swoon and delighting everyone with his high energy vocal performance.

Musical theatre star Georgia Iudica-Davies as Princess Beauty is in fine voice too. Rather than a sugary sweetie, she is strong and spicy, oozing girl power and perfectly portrays a modern day panto princess.

Not content with co-writing the panto, Ian Adams also appears as Dame Mary Fortune, retaining his crown as one of the very best in the business. It takes not only stage experience, but actual life experience to play a panto dame and Ian has both to spare.

From his outrageously funny frocks to his musical theatre prowess and talent, not to mention his connection with the crowd and of course, his signature tune, “I Don’t Care”, which the audience adore, Ian is the epitome of panto royalty. Long may he reign!

The performance of the night however came from comedian Tam Ryan as Mickey Fortune, who is simply superb. His ability to pitch his performance at just the right level to entertain adults and kids alike is outstanding. Not only that, but a panto comedian has to be able to handle whatever the crowd may throw at him, (usually the youngsters!), turn it around and get a laugh, something which Tam does with ease. 

His lovable appeal, his obvious comedic skills and timing, ferociously funny and simply silly jokes, and his chemistry with every member of the cast, make for an hilarious evenings entertainment. Tam Ryan will rival any panto comedian in the business today and is the backbone of the show.

A carefully selected, highly talented ensemble of eight triple threats who support and perfectly frame the principal cast, complete the line up to make this perfect panto very special indeed.

No pantomime is complete without an outstanding band and under the musical direction of Daniel Goodyear, this group of just five talented musicians romp though tune after tune, bringing current and popular numbers to the fore, as well as an array of classic musical theatre favourites. 

David Janson’s direction is efficient and uncomplicated, while Natalie Bennyworth’s choreography is edgy, inventive and completely fills the stage.

The lighting effects, courtesy of Sam Hilditch, are remarkable and enhance every single scene and the special effects throughout the panto will thrill and leave audiences aghast. Watch out for a huge fire-breathing surprise in Act Two; I will leave you guessing!

This magical and spellbinding panto at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is a dream of a show and certainly won’t put you to sleep for a hundred years! You won’t be disenchanted!

“Sleeping Beauty” runs from now until January 4 2026, so for tickets, visit grand theatre.co.uk or call 01902 429212. 

Snooze or you’ll lose!

For more information and to book to tickets click here: Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Sleeping beauty 2025 panto