As Bradford enters its year as the Capital of Culture 2025, the annual panto at the Bradford Alhambra starts the celebrations in style. This year it’s Pinocchio, starring Yorkshire comic legend Billy Pearce. And crossing the Pennines from the cobbles of Coronation Street is former Corrie star Chris Gascoyne who joins the stellar cast of this spectacular show that is sure to bring a smile to your face, put a spring in your step and provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for all the family.
A Bradford jewel in the crown of pantomimes
The Bradford pantomime at the Alhambra theatre is regarded as one of the best in the country, enjoyed by families and young and old alike – many of whom have been coming to watch the festive spectacular show every year.
Billy Pearce returns to make his 24th pantomime appearance in Bradford to star in this year’s pantomime, Pinocchio playing toy maker Geppetto. Joining Billy will be former Coronation Street baddie Chris Gascoyne, known for playing Peter Barlow.
Also joining the cast is Drag Superstar Courtney Act, who rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race, making her UK debut as the Blue Faerie. Netflix’s High Seas actor Ewan Goddard as stars as Pinocchio.
Panto veteran Steve Arnot will play Dame Rita Rigatoni, Yorkshire-born Sarah Pearson will swap last year’s role as Cinderella to play the Fox, while another Yorkshire star Monique Ashe-Palmer is the Cat.
Completing the cast is West End performer Nicholas McLean as Jiminy Cricket.
Comedy and a curry
Ewan is looking forward to performing in what will be his third time on stage at the Alhambra in Bradford:
“The first time I was here was ten years ago, in the panto and it will be lovely to be back. For some people it will be their first time in the theatre, especially children – hopefully we will give them a good time and make some special memories.
“Panto can be very hard work, but we do get Christmas Day off, this year I am planning to go for a curry, I am sure I will experience a good one in Bradford!”
Bradford pantomime legend Billy Pearce is equally excited to be returning to the Alhambra:
“It is a brilliant cast, I have made a lot of friends over the years when I’ve performed in the panto, first time I did panto was with Welsh comedian Max Boyce who was very kind to me, even now I get to star alongside these people that you see on television and suddenly you are friends with them, you go out for a meal and a drink together – I keep having to pinch myself that it is not all a dream.”
“Before I became a comedian I had a variety of jobs – I was an engineer, a porter at a department store, a stagehand at Leeds Grand Theatre, I was a redcoat at Butlins too, we used to catch people climbing over the fence, but we sent back to finish their holidays”, he joked.
Join the fun at the Bradford Alhambra
Former Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne who plays puppeteer and showman Stromboli is no stranger to pantomime. He said:
“When I come on the audience always Boos me, but I quite like playing the villain, it is always good fun.
“I think panto is a great form of entertainment, it takes the audience away to another world. We try to create a dreamland for people, the characters are timeless too, you forget all your worries and that is what people seem to want.”
For anyone still undecided about seeing this year’s panto, Chris has some good advice: “I guarantee that you will have a good laugh, for two hours you will forget all your troubles and I’m sure you and your family will come back the year after.”
Pinocchio runs from Saturday 7 December to Sunday 19 January 2025. Tickets start at £18.75 (inclusive of booking fees). You can buy tickets by calling 01274 432000 or visiting www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
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