Meera Syal and Jimmy Osmond to star in Peter Pan at Birmingham Hippodrome

Wolverhampton-born Meera, best known for her roles in TV shows Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42, is a comedian, writer, playwright, singer, producer, journalist and actress. The Anita and Me author will take on the role of the Magical Mermaid this festive season in what will be her pantomime debut.

The Osmonds star, youngest member and Long Haired Lover From Liverpool singer Jimmy Osmond will play the part of Captain Hook.

Also appearing in the cast will be comedian Matt Slack as Smee and Union J star Jaymi Hensley as Peter Pan.

Britain's Got Talent stuntman star Sascha Williams will play the part of The Drunken Pirate, while acrobatic troupe The Timbuktu Tumblers will feature as The Neverlanders.

This year's pantomime at the Hurst Street theatre will run from December 19 to January 27.

The show will be produced by Qdos Entertainment and directed by Michael Harrison.

Speaking ahead of the panto, Michael said he and his team were 'delighted to, once again, have assembled such a stellar line-up for this year’s production'.

"We’re busy planning all sorts of surprises for the show and we’re extremely excited to be presenting a production that will be packed full of brilliant song and dance, hilarious comedy and dazzling special effects," he promised.

Birmingham Hippodrome's artistic director and chief executive Fiona Allen added that the theatre is 'incredibly excited to bring audiences such a fantastic line-up'.

"From American music legend Donny Osmond to West Midlands born Meera Syal, this year’s line-up promises something for everyone, and with the clock already ticking, it’s never too early to start planning in some swashbuckling festive fun," she said.

Tickets, priced from £16, are now on sale.

For more information, or to book, click here