This year’s pantomime is led by Bradford pantomime king Billy Pearce, singer and Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan and stage star Shane Nolan; and they are joined by an array of talented musical theatre performers: Yorkshire-man Jack Land Noble, Graham Hoadly, Sarah Goggin and Sam Barrett.
CINDERELLA marks Billy Pearce’s 19th pantomime season at the Alhambra Theatre. The multi-award-winning comedian, who plays the role of Buttons in this year’s panto, has enjoyed a hugely successful career on television and on stage. Billy has received a British Comedy Award, won Solo Comedian of the Year, Best Television Comedy Newcomer, and the Yorkshire Arts and Entertainment Award. His varied career has seen him star in theatres, cabarets and summer seasons across the UK, and perform for royalty at eight Royal Variety Shows. He has been awarded Services to Arts and Entertainment at the Yorkshire Awards, previously won by the Kaiser Chiefs and Alan Ayckbourn.
Coleen Nolan’s (Fairy Godmother) music career began in 1980 when she joined her sisters in the chart-topping band The Nolans best known for hits including I’m in the Mood for Dancing, Don’t Make Waves and Gotta Pull Myself Together. Since then she has risen to further fame as a regular panellist on Loose Women for ITV, as guest presenter on This Morning, competed in the fourth series of Dancing on Ice, released her autobiography, No Regrets, and released two novels: Envy and Denial.
Shane Nolan (Dandini) started his entertainment career in 2007 as a Bluecoat at Pontins following in his dad’s footsteps (Shane Richie) where he learnt the tricks of the trade and starred in shows such as High School Musical and Rock of Ages. Shane then went on to star in Aladdin alongside his dad and brother playing the role of Wishee Washee. The following year he was again in pantomime with Joe McElderry in Cinderella playing Buttons at the Beck Theatre in Hayes for Qdos Entertainment. Shane has also starred in Boogie Nights – The 70s Musical and in the 90s musical Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.
Graham Hoadly (Ugly Sister) returns to the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford, where he has performed many times, most recently in the International tour of Mary Poppins as Admiral Boom and the Bank Chairman. Graham is a regular pantomime dame/ugly sister, having previously appeared at Richmond, Wimbledon, Woking, Stoke, Milton Keynes and Glasgow. Graham is paired with Barnsley’s Jack Land Noble (Ugly Sister) who is a prolific actor, playwright, producer, director, musician and songwriter. The son of Northern Club-land entertainers, he started in the business at the tender age of seven, learning his trade in the Working Men’s Clubs of Yorkshire, Lancashire and the North East of England.
Sarah Goggin (Cinderella) most recently played Sister Mary Robert in the UK tour of Sister Act for Jamie Wilson Productions. Her previous credits include Rachel in Bad Girls (The Union Theatre), Christmas in New York with Eden Espinosa (Palace Theatre, London/Manchester), A Different Kind Of Christmas Musical (Leicester Square Theatre), Been on Broadway (Vaudeville Theatre), Betty in Sincerely Yours (Landor Theatre), Woman 2 in I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change (Battersea Barge), Jodie in Best Of Friends (The Landor).
Sam Barrett’s (Prince Charming) previous theatre credits include playing Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie (UK Tour), Cymbeline (Space theatre), Moby Dick! The Musical (Union Theatre) and The Fix (Union Theatre). Sam’s credits whilst training include: Officer Lockstock in Urinetown, Ensemble in Big Fish and he has performed on Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night and on the 2016 Olivier Awards. He has appeared in the feature film The Happy Prince directed by Rupert Everett.
If the all-star cast wasn’t enough, the production is also packed with an ensemble cast of performers and dancers, a live band and the traditional juvenile dance troupe, The Sunbeams, who appear on stage courtesy of Sara Packham’s Theatre School based in Cullingworth, Keighley.
As well as the all-star cast, ground-breaking special effects and specialist costumes once again take centre stage. Over the past six years, audiences coming to the Alhambra Theatre pantomime have been treated to an array of show-stopping effects, created by The Twins FX. In addition to The Twins’ effects, this year the Alhambra Theatre pantomime also boasts input by Mike Coltman and his team at Costume Construction, who are providing an array of specialty costumes and props for the show.
Unmissable 3D spectacle also returns to this year’s Alhambra Theatre pantomime in the form of an eye-popping journey through the Enchanted Forest! It was at the Alhambra Theatre ten years ago that pantomime producers, Qdos Entertainment, first featured ground-breaking 3D as part of their shows. Since then the technology behind 3D graphics has been made even more sophisticated to ensure audiences will be on the edge of their seats!
This year’s panto is once again produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the same team behind the annual Alhambra Theatre pantomime for nearly 20 years. Cinderella is directed by Ed Curtis, returning for his seventh consecutive Alhambra Theatre pantomime.
Be amongst the first to see the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes at the Alhambra Theatre – it’s a spectacular treat for the family this festive season! And if you don’t fancy doing the washing up, why not eat with us here at the Alhambra Theatre – you can book a table pre evening or post matinee show in the Alhambra Theatre’s Restaurant 1914 (children can eat for only £4.95!) – call Hospitality on 01274 431052.
With over 63,000 people already set to enjoy this year’s pantomime, the clock is ticking! Don’t wait any longer to secure your tickets to Yorkshire’s biggest Royal Ball!
