Birmingham Hippodrome and pantomime producer Crossroads Pantomimes have announced that Rylan and Zoe Birkett will headline this year’s Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.

They join previously announced Hippodrome panto star Matt Slack, and back for a 10th season is Birmingham’s favourite Dame, Andrew Ryan.

BAFTA award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster, and number one bestselling author Rylan has built a hugely successful career as one of the UK’s most popular broadcasters. He is best known for hosting BBC Radio 2’s Rylan on Saturday, the acclaimed BBC series Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, as well as Eurovision, Homophobia, Football and Me, and Celebrity Gogglebox. As the Diva of Dreams, Rylan will be on hand to bring the necessary magic to help Princess Aurora defeat the evil Carabosse in this magical pantomime for all the family. 

Rylan said: "I’m already SO excited for panto season and getting to spend Christmas in Birmingham! 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. We’re going to have such a laugh… oh yes we are!”

Rylan joins previously announced Matt Slack, who has established himself as one of the country’s leading pantomime comics. Matt returns to Birmingham Hippodrome in the role of Lester the Jester for his 13th consecutive year, with Sleeping Beauty marking his 24th pantomime.

Zoe Birkett, who joins the cast as the evil Carabosse, first rose to fame as the highest-placed female finalist on ITV’s Pop Idol, scoring a number one single and touring arenas nationwide before forging an acclaimed career in musical theatre. She recently starred as Tina Turner in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and won the award for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for her role as Arabia in Moulin Rouge, where she also played Satine. Her extensive stage credits include The Bodyguard, The Witches and The Great British Bake Off Musical, alongside lead roles in Thriller Live and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Zoe is set to join Take That as a guest vocalist on their upcoming Circus Live revival tour.

Also announced today is the return of Andrew Ryan, who will mark a 10th season as Birmingham’s favourite Dame in the role of The Queen.

Michael Harrison, Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes said: “Rylan has become one of the country’s most recognisable and loved broadcasters and Zoe Birkett is an exceptional West End performer. I am delighted to welcome them to this year’s panto cast, alongside Birmingham panto favourites Matt Slack and Andrew Ryan. Together, they’re going to make Sleeping Beauty a brilliant treat for audiences at the biggest regional pantomime in the country.”

Jon Gilchrist, Artistic Director and Chief Executive at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We can’t wait for Rylan and Zoe to join us in Birmingham for the festive season. Alongside Matt Slack and Andrew Ryan, who returns for his 10th year as our Dame, they are going to bring big laughs, huge charm and tons of talent. Panto is such a special time for us at the Hippodrome – and this is certainly the cast of dreams!”

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom, Princess Aurora receives a birthday present from her wicked Aunt Carabosse. A single prick of an enchanted spinning wheel places her under a cruel curse and sends her into a century of slumber! Will true love endure? Will The Prince break the spell? Come and find out in a panto packed with magic, music, comedy and dazzling special effects!

Featuring sets and costumes direct from The London Palladium, you won't want to snooze on booking the best seats early - once they're gone, they're gone!

Sleeping Beauty will play at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 19 December 2026 to Sunday 31 January 2027. Tickets are available from www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0121 689 3000.