Birmingham Hippodrome has announced further casting for this year's pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, with ITV and BBC star Rylan Clark joining the lineup. Rylan, known for hosting BBC Radio 2's Rylan on Saturday, the series Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour, Eurovision, and Celebrity Gogglebox, will play the Diva of Dreams. He will be joined by Pop Idol finalist and theatre star Zoe Birkett as the evil Carabosse, alongside panto favourites Matt Slack as Lester the Jester and Andrew Ryan as the Dame.
Rylan on Birmingham Audiences
Rylan expressed his excitement, saying: 'I’ve heard Birmingham audiences are like no other, so I cannot wait to experience it for myself and bring all the fun, fabulousness and chaos to this year's panto as the Diva of Dreams.'
Zoe Birkett's Role
Zoe Birkett, who rose to fame as the highest-placed female finalist on Pop Idol and has starred in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and Moulin Rouge, will play the villain Carabosse.
Returning Favourites
Matt Slack returns for his 13th consecutive year at the Hippodrome, marking his 24th pantomime overall. Andrew Ryan will celebrate his 10th season as the Dame.
Production Details
Michael Harrison, CEO of Crossroads Pantomimes, said: 'Rylan has become one of the country’s most recognisable broadcasters and Zoe is an exceptional West End performer. Together with Matt and Andrew, they’ll make Sleeping Beauty a brilliant treat.' Jon Gilchrist, artistic director at Birmingham Hippodrome, added: 'This is certainly the cast of dreams!'
Sleeping Beauty will feature sets and costumes from The London Palladium. The show runs from December 19 to January 31. Tickets are available at the Birmingham Hippodrome website or by calling 0121 689 3000.
