Alison Hammond says 'Birmingham I'm back' as she looks ahead to the future

Alison Hammond will be returning to Birmingham for another pantomime season as she's confirmed to star in The Hippodrome's seasonal run of Peter Pan. The TV presenter will join city favourite Matt Slack to take up the role of the Magical Mermaid from Saturday, December 21 to Sunday, February 2.

Peter Pan will feature a 'dazzling' set as well as Olivier Award-nominated costumes from the London Palladium version of the show. The This Morning Star brought joy and laughter to Brummies when she starred in Jack and the Beanstalk last Christmas.

Matt Slack has been a Birmingham panto mainstay for a decade and Peter Pan will be his 11th run and his 22nd pantomime. Alison described the actor as 'hilarious'.

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She said: "Birmingham…..I'm back! I'm SO excited to return to the Hippodrome this Christmas in Peter Pan as the Magical Mermaid alongside the hilarious Matt Slack.

"I loved every second of Jack and the Beanstalk last year, we had so much fun, but it went by so fast that I had to come back for another. Birmingham is home to the best audiences, and I can't wait to see them all in Neverland soon!"

Jon Gilchrist, artistic director and chief executive officer at Birmingham Hippodrome, said: "We are extremely excited to welcome back Birmingham legend Alison Hammond to the Hippodrome for our panto this December.

"The audience reaction to Alison last year was incredible and we know that she is going to be a fantastic addition to the Peter Pan cast as the Magical Mermaid. Panto is such a special time of year, and we love seeing families and friends come together to share in the magic of live performance over the festive season."

Director and producer Michael Harrison of Crossroads Pantomimes added: "I'm so pleased that Alison has agreed to join us again at the Hippodrome for a second season. Alison is a born entertainer who was a triumph last year with audiences, and much-loved by all of us involved in making the Birmingham panto.

"With Alison, the comic talent of Matt Slack and the spectacular set and costumes debuted at The London Palladium last Christmas all in place, we're set for our biggest and most exciting Birmingham panto yet!"