Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is celebrating its most successful pantomime season following the final performances of Beauty and the Beast.

Over 57,000 people attended the show over a five-week period with sales constantly ahead of 2023’s also-record-breaking Snow White.

Beauty and the Beast, which starred Gladiators 'Giant' alongside returning favourites Tam Ryan and Ian Adams, who also write the increasingly popular shows, was the first time the title had been performed at the Grand as a pantomime.

With over 20 five-star reviews, the show was one again produced by the theatre itself, utilising the talents of their team and top industry professionals. By doing so, the Grand is reaping the rewards of ever-increasing audience numbers, record advance sales and greater reviews than ever. Proof that a fresh show, created bespoke for the people of Wolverhampton each year is the secret to success.

Records were not only exceeded in attendance and reviews but the ever-popular Relaxed Performance, for those with additional needs, on the Autism spectrum, or those who benefit from a more relaxed theatregoing environment has now tripled from one to three performances. Capacity in the auditorium is reduced to a greater capacity of additional wheelchairs and to allow more space for audience members who are free to leave the auditorium as and when required.

Even with reduced overall capacity at Relaxed Performances, there was a record attendance of 2,074 across the three performances. What's more, 268 blind and visually impaired customers utilised Audio Description, a live service offered during the show.

Pantomime seasons at Wolverhampton Grand began on Christmas Eve 1894, two weeks after the theatre originally opened. Beauty and the Beast was a celebration of 130 years of pantomime and was testament to the Grand’s vision of respecting the tradition of pantomime, whilst creating a fabulous festive show for ever-evolving audiences.

Ticket sales are already ahead for this year’s show; Sleeping Beauty and early booking is advised to guarantee the best seats. Sleeping Beauty runs from Saturday 29 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026, starring Tam Ryan and Ian Adams with further casting to be announced soon.

Tickets are on sale now at grandtheatre.co.uk.