Two West Midlands theatres have chosen Cinderella as their panto for 2014.
Comedian, actor, presenter and Celebrity Big Brother winner Julian Clary will play Dandini while Hollyoaks actor Joe Tracini is Buttons and The X-Factor semi-finalist Niki Evans takes the role of the Fairy Godmother in Wolverhampton Grand’s panto.
Cinderella will be produced by Qdos Entertainment. Michael Harrison, managing director of its pantomimes division, said, “it’s fitting that for Cinderella, the most magical family pantomime of them all, we’ve been able to cast Julian Clary, the most glamorous of all pantomime stars, in our Wolverhampton show this Christmas.
“Julian is a fine actor and a first-rate comedian and is guaranteed to keep audiences laughing right up to the final curtain call.”
Cinderella can be seen at the Grand from Saturday 6 December until Sunday 18 January 2015.
Meanwhile Arthur Bostrom, best known for playing the French Gendarme Crabtree in the TV sitcom ‘Allo! ‘Allo!, will be Count Dandini de Tartare in Cinderella at Lichfield Garrick.
Ian Adams, Lichfield’s “favourite dame”, will take the role of Madame Zulieka, Queen of the Gypsies.
Adrian Jackson, the Garrick’s chief executive and artistic director, said, “I’m delighted with the talented cast we’ve secured for our production. Audiences can expect spectacular music from a live eight-piece band, stunning scenery and costumes and all the fun, laughter and audience participation you expect from a traditional family pantomime.”
Cinderella runs at the Garrick from Thursday 4 December until Sunday 4 January 2015.