Stars are poised to make a fairytale dream come true

:: This article originally appeared in the Express & Star on 11th December 2009 ::

It seems like only yesterday that the curtain came down on pantomime season in Wolverhampton. But now the pantomime dames are back in the city and ready to put on another magical show - oh, yes they are!

With its bright costumes, special effects and larger-than-life characters all eagerly awaiting the Grand Theatre stage, the curtain is now going up on Wolverhampton's 2009 pantomime, officially signalling the countdown to Christmas in the city.

From tomorrow, hundreds of families will flock to the theatre to watch this year's hotly-anticipated show, Cinderella.

The Grand Theatre stage is this year being graced by Neighbours star Stefan Dennis alongside panto favourites The Krankies. The show will be given a sprinkling of fairy dust from former X Factor star Niki Evans, who is taking on the role of the Fairy Godmother.

The cast will also include guest star Churchill, the icon of the insurance industry, in his very first stage appearance.

Stefan Dennis, well known for his role as Paul Robinson in the Australian soap, will play Dandini in this year's hotly-anticipated pantomime. He joined the original cast of Neighbours in 1985 and played Paul until 1992. He was invited to rejoin Neighbours for the 20th anniversary of the show and has remained a regular character ever since. He has also appeared in UK television shows including Dream Team, River City, The Bill and Casualty, as well as numerous musicals including Blood Brothers.

Singer-come-actress Niki Evans shot to fame on hit TV talent show The X Factor, finishing fourth in the 2007 series. She has since gone on to perform with John Barrowman at Birmingham's Symphony Hall, and in Jasper Carrott's Christmas Rock With Laughter at the NEC. She has made countless appearances on TV, including LK Today and ITV's This Morning, and has also spent a year in the West End as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers.

Panto favourites The Krankies will be taking to the stage in Wolverhampton's pantomime for the third year in a row, appearing as The Baron and Buttons.