Announced today on International Pirate Day, Saturday 19 September, comedian and actor Richard Blackwood will star as Long John Silver in this year’s Wolverhampton Grand Theatre pantomime, Treasure Island.

He is joined by Wolverhampton-born West End star Solomon Davy as Jack Hawkins, who returns due to popular demand following his role as Prince Stephen in last year’s Sleeping Beauty – the pantomime that won Best Panto In The UK (Over 950 Seats) at the UK Pantomime Awards.

Also joining the lineup is Leonie Wall as Charlotte Trelawney, who returns following her performance as Davina the Peaky Miner in Snow White.

Richard, Solomon and Leonie join Wolverhampton Pantomime Royalty Tam Ryan as Willy Hawkins and Ian Adams as Mrs Betty Hawkins.

Ian Adams celebrates his tenth year as pantomime dame in Wolverhampton with Tam Ryan returning for his sixth consecutive season.

Richard Blackwood is known to TV audiences as Felix in Hollyoaks with West End theatre credits including Donkey in Shrek The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Brightie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Novello Theatre).

Solomon Davy made his professional & West End debut as Kenickie in Grease at the Dominion Theatre. His credits also include Chad Manford in The Code (Southwark Playhouse); Link Larkin in Hairspray (National Tour); and is currently on tour as Prime Minister Asquith/Richard Pankhurst in Sylvia.

East Londoner Leonie Wall trained in musical theatre at the Urdang Academy and graduated in 2020. Since then, she has been singing, dancing, acting and presenting on stage and screen. She is elated to be returning to Wolverhampton in a principal role this year after first appearing as ensemble and Davina the Peaky Miner in Snow White in 2023. Most recently, Leonie appeared in Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s Edinburgh Fringe production of The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth.

Treasure Island will promise all the fabulous, festive family fun you’ve come to expect of the Wolverhampton pantomime with a never-before-seen panto adventure at the Grand! This premiere is a brand-new panto packed with pirates, parrots and pure entertainment!

There’s no better time to get on board for the festive journey to Treasure Island – a magical panto adventure for all the family!

Treasure Island shows at Wolverhampton Grand from Saturday 28 November 2026 - Sunday 3 January 2027. Tickets are available at grandtheatre.co.uk