Star praises 'intimate' feel of panto theatre

Comedian and actor Richard Blackwood has signed up as pirate captain Long John Silver for a pantomime version of Treasure Island this Christmas.

The production is scheduled to run from 28 November 2026 until 3 January at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

It follows last year's rendition of Sleeping Beauty which won Best Panto In The UK (over 950 seats) at the UK Pantomime Awards.

Blackwood will be joined by Wolverhampton-born West End star Solomon Davy as Jack Hawkins as well as Leonie Wall as Charlotte Trelawney.

Also cast in this year's show are Tam Ryan as Willy Hawkins and Ian Adams as Mrs Betty Hawkins.

It is the tenth year as pantomime dame in Wolverhampton for Adams, with Ryan returning for his sixth consecutive season.

Blackwood, who is known for playing Felix in Hollyoaks, said he was "just in awe" when he first saw the auditorium.

"It's perfect for panto," he said. "As a comedian, I know that there's no better performance space than one that can pack in thousands of people yet still feel so intimate."

Davy, who made his professional and West End debut as Kenickie in Grease at the Dominion Theatre, said there was "something really magical" about returning to his home town for Christmas.

"The effort, care and attention to detail Wolverhampton puts into its panto is sublime," he said.

"From all departments it's an amazing effort and it shows."

Meanwhile Wall, from London, will return to Wolverhampton in a principal role this year after appearing in Snow White in 2023 and the venue's Edinburgh Fringe production of The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth.

"I'm certain anyone who has had the privilege of performing in a Wolverhampton pantomime knows instantly they are part of something special," she said.

"If you saw Snow White, you'll know my character, Davina, one of the Peaky Miners, was very timid and shy so I am really looking forward to bringing a totally different vibe to the stage this year with the bold and sassy Charlotte Trelawny – just you wait!"

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