Star-studded pantomime line-up
Birmingham Hippodrome have announced an exciting cast for the pantomime adventure, Dick Whittington.
The show will see the return of one of Britain 's most celebrated stars Marti Pellow as The Ratman, Birmingham Panto favourite Matt Slack as Dick Whittington, TV Doctor and presenter Dr Ranj as Spirit of the Bells and musical sensation Suzanne Shaw as Alice.
The UK 's biggest regional panto, which will feature sets and costumes from The London Palladium, will also see the return of Birmingham favourites Doreen Tipton as The Cat and Andrew Ryan as The Dame.
Marti Pellow makes a return to panto in Birmingham after a much-celebrated season at the theatre in 2015 as Abanazar in Aladdin
The pantomime comes after a busy couple of years for Marti.
Even while fans were forced to stay home, Marti performed his enormously popular online Lockdown Sessions, which became a real source of solace, enjoyed by over 12 million people.
In March of 2021, Marti released Stargazer, his latest major label studio album.
In 2022, Marti undertook the second leg of that Greatest Hits tour, visiting another 14 venues across the country.
He has also announced the 40-date Pellow Talk tour for late 2022.
Marti joins Matt Slack, who returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for a record-breaking ninth consecutive year, with Dick Whittington marking his 20th pantomime.
Chief executive of Crossroads Pantomimes, Michael Harrison, who will produce and direct Dick Whittington said: “The Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime is a real jewel in the crown of pantomimes in the UK.
“It 's fitting to be announcing such a stellar and talented cast today to bring to life our epic production of Dick Whittington. With the combined talents of Marti, Matt, Ranj, Suzanne, Doreen and Andrew, together with the magnificent sets built for The London Palladium, this will be a very special trip to the theatre for all the family. ”
On the casting, Birmingham Hippodrome Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer Jon Gilchrist, said: “We 're delighted to have such an amazing cast on board for Dick Whittington, including the return of Hippodrome favourites Marti, Matt, Suzanne, Doreen and Andrew along with Dr Ranj who will make his Birmingham panto debut. Birmingham Hippodrome 's pantomime is a highlight of the festive season for so many. After seeing last year 's show as a visitor, I cannot wait to experience my first panto since joining the team earlier this year. ”
Join Dick Whittington and his trusty cat as he seeks fame, fortune, and happiness journeying to become the Lord Mayor.
Dick Whittington will run at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 17 December, 2022 and will play until Sunday 29 January, 2023.
Tickets for Dick Whittington can be booked at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0844 338 5000*
*0844 calls will cost you 4.5p per minute plus your phone company 's access charge.