Much likes its programme of West End hits, local shows, in-house productions and a variety of outreach programmes and projects (such as the recently-announced school tour of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), its ongoing, stunning venue renovation and expansion plans (see, too, their recently-revealed expansion plans), the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's annual pantomime continues to go from strength-to-strength.

And, proving the recent successes of last year's Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring pop star Gareth Gates and Emmerdale favourite Lisa Reilly, and 2016's Aladdin with X Factor winner Joe McElderry were no mere flukes, the Grand recently launched its 2018 offering, Sleeping Beauty, headlined by Strictly star, the 'lovely' Debbie McGee as The Lovely Fairy Crystal, Children's TV favourite Sooty and Richard Cadell as Muddles the Jester, and Queen Wilhelmina played by the Grand's resident dame Ian Adams (who will also be co-hosting the production alongside the Grand's Executive and Artistic Director Adrian Jackson).

And of course, though she would likely rather be left out of the whole thing altogether to munch on a bag of skips on the sofa, there's no forgetting Midlands viral superstar, and professional 'lazy cow', Doreen Tipton - returning to the Grand panto for her third year running to play the role of 'Nurse Doreen'.

The glittering launch was held at the Mount Hotel Country Manor with all seven principal cast members.

Rounding out the cast were West End star Oliver Ormson (The Book of Mormon, The Addams Family Musical), who will play Prince Harry, recording artist Bethan-Wyn Davies as Princess Beauty, and Julie Paton returns to choreograph for a second year whilst also playing the show's villain, the wicked Carabosse.

Press & PR Manager at the Grand Theatre, Scott Bird said; “it’s always a hugely exciting day when we meet our pantomime cast and have them all together for this first time. This year’s show promises to be another spectacular production with exciting special effects, plenty of fun, bucket-loads of comedy and another great cast line up.”

SLEEPING BEAUTY will open on Saturday 8 December 2018 with two performances a day until Sunday 13 January 2019, produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the team behind the Grand’s must-see annual festive production.

The local sponsor for SLEEPING BEAUTY is Dudley Zoo. The media partner is Free Radio. 

Tickets for SLEEPING BEAUTY are now on sale. Tickets can be booked in person at the theatre, by calling 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk.