Is Pinocchio Bradford's Alhambra Theatre Pantomime Your Ticket to a Brighten Up Your Winter Nights? 🎭

Is a sparkling panto the perfect way to brighten up your winter nights? Bradford's Alhambra Theatre's Pinocchio is the ticket! This festive treat is packed with laughter, spectacular special effects and a nod to local flavour and is on until January 19th 2025.

A star studded cast

This year's Alhambra pantomime cast is truly star studded. Pantomime legend Billy Pearce plays Geppetto, while Coronation Street's Chris Gascoyne is the dastardly Stromboli and drag superstar Courtney Act is the dazzling Blue Faerie. Local lasses Sarah Pearson and Leeds lass Monique Ashe-Palmer bring woodland friends Phyllis the Fox and Kitty the Cat to colourful life.

Not to mention up and coming star Ewan Goddard as Pinocchio and Nicholas McLean as wise guys Jiminy Cricket. Panto favourite Steve Arnott plays lovely Dame Rita and rounds off a festive treat the whole family will adore.

The Sunbeams: A brief history

Do you know the Sunbeams? These little stars have been bringing magic to Bradford pantomimes for over 100 years! The tradition started in 1917 with panto founder Francis Laidler and his "children" who danced and pranced across the stage. Today the Sunbeams are cared for by Sara Packham Theatre School and are just as sparkly and full of energy with fabulous choreography.

Sara Packham Theatre School have provided the Sunbeams for Bradford pantomime 18 times and founder Sara is proud to say many students have gone on to train at places like the Royal Ballet School and Bird College. "It's wonderful to see them take their first steps on the Alhambra stage."

From Sunbeam to star: Sophie's Story

One student who knows the magic of the Alhambra stage is former Sunbeam Sophie Marie Talbot who is back this year performing in the Pinocchio ensemble. Growing up Sophie idolised the shows at the Alhambra and as a Sunbeam she dreamed of being part of the big production. "I wanted to be in the ensemble, and now I am!"

Why you have to book this pantomime

And if that wasn't enough Pinocchio is packed with spectacular special effects from The Twins FX who create all the magic on stage. From a giant gorilla to Pinocchio's jaw dropping transformations, you'll be wowed.

Directed by Alhambra panto veteran Ed Curtis who has been behind the scenes of the Alhambra pantomime for 13 years, this year's show is packed with laughter, sing along songs and all the magic and mayhem that makes panto the perfect festive treat.

Book your visit

Prices from £18.75 including booking fee. The show is on until Sunday 19th January 2025 so book early to ensure a visit to this festive treat.

• Book now: visit bradford-theatres.co.uk.
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Get your tickets and head to the Alhambra Theatre—where magic, laughter and the classic tale of Pinocchio await! 🌟