What does it take to bring Pinocchio to life at the Alhambra Theatre?

Ever wondered what’s happening behind the curtains of a massive pantomime? The Alhambra Theatre’s production of Pinocchio is a glittering, laugh-out-loud spectacle that’s got the audience buzzing. But it’s not just the stars on stage making the magic happen—it’s an army of hardworking folks who transform the theatre into a storybook wonderland.

Here’s a sneak peek at the incredible work that goes into making this festive production a show-stopper.

Behind the scenes: numbers that will blow your mind!

Producing a pantomime isn’t all sparkles and fairy wings—there’s some serious heavy lifting involved. Let’s talk numbers:

• Set-up squad: The set, sound, and lighting gear arrived in six massive wagons and were all unloaded in just 2.5 days. That’s the definition of teamwork!
• Light it up: There are 150 lamps lighting up the stage, with 106 being LEDs that can change into over 3,000 colours. Fancy, right? Oh, and there are 857 lighting cues—imagine the coordination that takes.
• Moons galore: Spot the 48 moons scattered across the set and costumes. That’s a lunar love affair.
• Quick-change chaos: Actors make 98 costume changes every show, keeping the backstage team on their toes.
• Fireworks on stage: Each performance uses 45 pyrotechnics, totalling a jaw-dropping 3,240 sparks over the entire run.

The panto life: quirky facts you’ll love

Some backstage stories are so good they’re worth sharing. Did you know…

• Geppetto’s plane in the show is powered by leftover vegetables? (Yep, even pantos are going green!) And they’ve even got special permission to “fly” it twice a day.
• This season, audiences have munched their way through 17,863 ice creams, even in winter, because who doesn’t love a theatre treat?
• Over 2,870 merch items have been sold alongside more than 16,500 sweets and soft drinks. Sweet tooth? Sorted.

A true community effort

It’s not just the actors and crew bringing the magic. A whopping 160 venue staff pitch in to handle everything from food and drinks to cleaning and front-of-house. Oh, and don’t forget the musicians—because no panto is complete without its toe-tapping tunes.

The show also features Spark Fire Dance, an electrifying act by Grace Billings and Dave Knox. Think fire manipulation, bold circus stunts, and dazzling special effects. It’s like Cirque du Soleil, but with extra pizzazz.

Pinocchio: your chance to join the fun!

If you’re near Bradford, don’t miss this spectacular production, running until Sunday, 19 January 2025. Tickets start at just £18.75, and trust us—it’s worth every penny for a night of comedy, music, and jaw-dropping visuals.

So, grab your family, indulge in a bit of ice cream, and prepare for a night to remember. Just keep an eye out for those 48 moons! 🌙

For tickets, head over to bradford-theatres.co.uk.