The Bradford pantomime at the Alhambra Theatre is regarded as one of the most important ones in the north of England. For the last 25 years, the lead role has been played by comedian Billy Pearce. When the Yorkshire all-rounder had an operation on his back at the beginning of the year it resulted in him cancelling all his engagements for the year: many thought that Pearce would not make his annual appearance in the show.
But with true northern grit, Pearce was determined not to miss the show. Oh no, he wasn’t!
As he arrived on the stage with his familiar call of “Hiya, kids” it was hard to believe he had ever been away. Every panto needs a lead that the audience knows and loves, and who they come back every year to see: it could be your favourite uncle or big brother up there on stage, such is the warmth Bradford audiences have for Billy Pearce.
This year Pearce is The Man in the Mirror – complete with a reflective silver suit. His rapport with the audience is genuine and warm. “Is it too loud for you?” he shouts at the audience, before continuing “…not my voice, but my suit!” Families have been coming to see him for years, the youngsters growing up with him, and it would be hard to see anyone taking his place and filling his big shoes.
Sinitta and Myra DuBois in the spotlight
Making her debut Bradford panto appearance is 80s pop star, Simon Cowell’s right-hand woman on the X Factor and musical theatre star, Sinitta, who sparkled as the Spirit of the Pantomime. Her hit song So Macho was cleverly slotted into the show – the temptation for Pearce to come on and become a macho man and fool around was wisely resisted, allowing Sinitta to take her own moment in the spotlight.
Myra DuBois as Queen Lucretia almost stole the show; every scene she was in had some of the best one-liners of the night. Rather than be the ‘wicked queen’, her character became almost likeable to a point. Her version of Why, the old Annie Lennox song, was re-born with a new lyric that fitted into the panto well. Her costumes were not too outrageous, and still had a touch of elegance. When on stage together Pearce and DuBois were a great double act, the interaction between them seeming so natural that no one would have known that this was their first time working together on stage.
Strong supporting cast, great effects, dancing and music
Sarah Pearson as Princess Snow White was full of innocence, though at times her Yorkshire accent seemed a little too forced, despite her coming from Huddersfield. Making her third appearance in the Bradford pantomime, Pearson had a good chemistry with Callum Connolly, as Prince William of Wakefield, who was dashing and charming.
And let’s not forget the ‘Magnificent Seven’ – the real-life dwarves who take care of Snow White. Even the nonsensical ‘six seven’ meme that youngsters try to confuse their elders with gets a mention – naturally from the sixth and seventh dwarves!
The Sunbeams, a troupe of young dancers, have been an integral part of panto at the Alhambra for decades and this year they even get a chance to perform a song, entitled Living the Bradford Life. The dancers, choreographed by Stillie Dee, were energetic and well-rehearsed, all adding to the fast-paced show, where no one scene outstayed its welcome.
The special effects – two, in particular, are stunning – will bring you to the edge of your seats, but it would spill the beans and spoil the surprise to say what they are. Oh yes, it would!
The music includes a traditional pop medley of Frosty the Snowman and Walking in a Winter Wonderland which contrasted well with more recent songs from Billie Eilish, and Rose and Bruno Mars.
Already anticipating panto 2026!
There were many risqué jokes which are definitely aimed at the parents, though the younger members of the audience appeared to enjoy the jokes around flatulence – something that Pearce does every year in the pantomime. And no matter how many times you have seen the tried and tested Twelve days of Christmas routine which comes in the second half, it always remains funny.
Perhaps, in the past, the Bradford panto has put a bit too much focus on Billy Pearce, putting him in almost every scene; fortunately, this year’s production takes a more balanced approach, giving all the characters a chance to come to the fore, which was a refreshing touch.
Still, where Pearce gets his energy from remains a mystery but, fittingly, the evergreen comedian will be returning to next year’s panto, Peter Pan. It would not be Christmas without a good panto, and Bradford has done it again with a colourful, entertaining and funny show that will appeal to young and old alike.
Access for all
There are disabled parking spaces at the southern side of the theatre, with six wheelchair spaces available inside the Alhambra. There is also a lift on the north side of the theatre to take audience members to upper floors. The theatre has wheelchair accessible and disabled toilets for customers. There is a free Access Scheme for customers who need to be accompanied, and assisted performances. Please refer to the Alhambra website for further information.
There are two relaxed performances on Tuesday 6th January at 1pm and 6pm.
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