Richard Cadell And Sooty From Grand Theatre Pantomime Open Christmas Grotto in Dudley Castle

Stars of this year's Grand Theatre pantomime Richard Cadell & Sooty went along to Dudley Zoo to open the Santa's grotto in a Winter Wonderland inside the castle.

Dudley Zoological Gardens recently extended their sponsorship of Grand Theatre pantomime making them the local partner until at least the 2019/20 season, with next year's 125th anniversary pantomime to be announced very soon.

The Grand Theatre pantomime attracts thousands of families to Wolverhampton each year, as does a collection of the world's rarest animals who find their home in the grounds of an 11th Century castle at Dudley Zoological Gardens.

Visit Dudley Zoo's Winter Wonderland from now until Christmas Eve and see Santa in his grotto set within the walls of Dudley Castle, before stopping off to greet his reindeer in the courtyard. Zoo admission is included in the special festive package, so you can also visit your favourite exotic species and find out what they're up to this Christmas time.

This year's spectacular pantomime SLEEPING BEAUTY opens on Saturday 8 December 2018 and runs until Sunday 13 January 2019 - starring Debbie McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Doreen Tipton, Ian Adams, Oliver Ormson, Bethan-Wyn Davies and Julie Paton.