Writers: Ian Adams & Tam Ryan
Director: David Janson
Welcome to ‘Bilstonia’. It’s full of glamour and royalty, and you won’t find anyone arguing with a pigeon outside of Greggs here.
The appropriately named setting for this well-known storyline is a nod to the Wolverhampton Grand’s decision to bring their pantomimes in-house in recent years. While many others in yesteryear tried their best to embrace the local culture, Ian Adams and Tam Ryan have excelled again in blending the glitz and glam you expect from any pantomime with the kind of comedy that gets all of the locals roaring with laughter. Expect a mix of witty and, at times, typically painful panto jokes, all set against the backdrop of the famous fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.
Ryan stars in the role of Mickey Fortune, playing the people’s entertainer, and it is his interactions with his fellow cast and audience that make the show special. Co-writer Adams offers the same stage presence playing the part of the 66 (sorry, 40) year old Dame Mary Fortune. A particular highlight is the 12 days of Christmas scene, which exceeds expectations on the amount of chaos, carnage and cream that can be left on stage.
Debra Stephenson is known for her impressionist abilities, and this is embedded into the production throughout. While the talent is doubtless, and transitioning from Donald Trump to Anne Robinson in a matter of seconds is impressive, it can feel shoehorned in at times.
Danny Beard will be recognisable from Ru Paul’s Drag Race and most recently Big Brother, but it is Beard’s portrayal of the villain Carabosse that should bring valuable recognition. Sporting a marvellous costume (designed by David Shields) that makes Carabosse tower over her enemies, Beard offers charisma, comedy and an array of talent with renditions of Chicago’s Cell Block Tango a highlight.
Georgia Judica-Davies and Solomon Davy demonstrate strong vocal skills and bring some structure to the storyline among the typical panto chaos, and it is at these moments that we see exceptional work from the creative and production departments, particularly Sam Hilditch’s lighting design. Among some notable names that have made Wolverhampton their home for the winter is homegrown talent Zak Douglas, who does brilliantly as Gerald the Herald, especially when under the control of Carabosse.
Pantomimes can at times be guilty of neglecting the theatrical value to prioritise the cheap laughs, but there is the right balance in this production, under the capable directorship of David Janson. While some moments feel shoehorned in at the wrong times and others could be more imaginative, it is a pantomime that will leave those young and old laughing in unison for a full two hours in ‘Bilstonia’.
Runs until 4 January 2026
