The curtain rises on the Alhambra pantomime today – and Bradford’s favourite funnyman, Billy Pearce, will be literally flying in to greet audiences. Oh yes he will!

Billy, who plays Buttons in the panto, Cinderella, will be making his entrance on a flying motorbike, executive producer Michael Harrison has revealed.

The stunt is one of several special effects created for the show by illusionists The Twins, who created a giant fire-breathing dragon for last year’s panto, Robin Hood.

“We thought long and hard about how to trump that and decided that this year, while Cinderella makes her way to the ball on a carriage pulled by real Shetland ponies, Billy will travel to Hardup Hall in style aboard a motorbike – journeying over the audience en-route!” said Mr Harrison.

The Twins – Gary and Paul Hardy-Brown – are leaders in large-scale special effect production. Their other treats for panto audiences this year is a sinister pet created for the Ugly Sisters.

“We don’t want to spoil too many of the surprises, but you can be sure of a show that’s more magical than ever,” said Mr Harrison.

Alongside Billy, the show stars actress and Loose Women panellist Lynda Bellingham as the Fairy Godmother and Brendan Sheerin, presenter of Channel 4’s Coach Trip, as Baron Hardup.

“Panto has such a huge tradition at the Alhambra, it's lovely to be part of that,” said Miss Bellingham.

“For many children it's their first experience of theatre, and there's no thrill quite like it. They believe all that’s happening on stage and we must uphold that belief.”

Next week there will be a special guest appearance at the panto. Santa will be taking a break from festive duties to meet audience members on Wednesday and Thursday at the Alhambra’s new Restaurant 1914, in the upper circle front-of-house area of the theatre.

Adam Renton, Bradford Theatres general manager, said: “Christmas in Yorkshire wouldn’t be complete without the Alhambra theatre pantomime.

“Since 1914, when the theatre opened, Alhambra pantos have been an essential part of the festive season in Bradford and this year audiences are in for another fabulous show.”

Cinderella runs at the Alhambra until Sunday, February 3. Tickets are available on (01274) 432000.