Museums and galleries
A record-breaking pantomime season in Walsall
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Walsall Arena is celebrating a record-breaking pantomime season as The Wizard of Oz becomes the venue’s best-selling panto ever. A total of 8,590 tickets were sold across 19 performances, making it the most successful pantomime in the Arena’s history and surpassing last year’s record of 7,865 tickets by a significant margin.
As the only professional pantomime in Walsall, The Wizard of Oz proved to be a huge hit with audiences of all ages. Families flocked to follow Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road, enjoying dazzling costumes, spectacular sets, laugh-out-loud comedy and plenty of magical moments. Performances played to packed houses throughout the festive period, with audiences praising the energy, humour and warmth of the production.
“ It’s fantastic to see The Wizard of Oz become our best-selling pantomime ever. These record-breaking figures are a real testament to the hard work and talent of everyone involved. I would like to say a huge thank you to the cast and crew for delivering such a high-quality production, and of course to our wonderful audiences for their incredible support. Walsall Arena continues to go from strength to strength, and we are proud to bring such magical experiences to local families year after year. “
Planning is already underway for next year’s pantomime, with further details set to be announced in the coming months.
But that’s not all, there is so much to be excited about at Walsall Arena in 2026!
The Arena has another unmissable night of comedy lined up, as viral sensation Hannah East brings her brand-new show Express Yourself to the stage on Friday 20 February. With millions of views online, Hannah’s sharp, warm-hearted comedy dives into the highs and lows of parenting, from pregnancy and postpartum struggles to the everyday chaos of mum life. Packed with brand-new sketches, spot-on impressions, celebrity send-ups, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this is a must-see show for parents everywhere.
We are thrilled to launch a brand-new comedy club in partnership with the award-winning Funny Beeseness, and what a line-up to kick things off. Om February 22nd, the night features multi-award-winning stand-up Russell Kane, alongside the brilliantly sharp Stephen Bailey and much-loved comedy actor Jo Enright, all hosted by Wayne Beese. Expect a top-quality evening of laugh-out-loud comedy, with over-16s only and a guaranteed great night, even if the line-up changes.
Since the release of Definitely Maybe, Oasis took the world by storm, becoming one of the biggest bands the UK has ever produced. Oasish – The History of Oasis and Beyond charts the incredible journey of the Gallagher brothers, from their meteoric rise to their infamous split and the long-awaited reunion in 2025. Taking place on Friday 6 March, this spectacular live show is divided into three powerful acts: The Rise, featuring songs from the legendary Knebworth ’96 concert with perfectly synchronised video footage; The Rift, exploring the aftermath of the band’s break-up through Noel and Liam’s solo material; and The Reunion, a rousing finale celebrating the band’s greatest hits. Narrated throughout by Terry Christian of Channel 4’s The Word, this is a huge, fan-made production brought to life by the UK’s official number one Oasis tribute band, Oasish, delivering an unforgettable night for Oasis fans old and new.
Celebrate the life, music and legacy of a true rock icon with Hits Out of Hell – The Legend of Meat Loaf, live on Saturday 7 March at 7.30pm. The world’s premier tribute to Meat Loaf stars Craig Halford, the ultimate ‘Dead Ringer’ performer, as seen on ITV’s Stars in Their Eyes and Channel 4’s The Last Leg. Featuring all the anthems that made Meat Loaf one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 80 million albums sold and a Grammy Award to his name, audiences can expect a night packed with epic rock classics including Bat Out of Hell, I’d Do Anything for Love, Paradise by the Dashboard Light, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, and many more.
Step into the world of one of music’s greatest showmen with Copacabana Magic – The Barry Manilow Show, live on Friday 13 March at 7.30pm. This world-class tribute chronicles the extraordinary career of Barry Manilow, celebrating a catalogue of timeless hits from an artist who has sold over 85 million records worldwide. Fronted by internationally acclaimed vocalist Martyn James, alongside a sensational live band and dancers, the show captures the magic of classics including Mandy, Could It Be Magic, Can’t Smile Without You, I Write the Songs and Copacabana (At The Copa). A must-see night for Fanilows everywhere.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Walsall Arena and Arts Centre
Walsall Arena and Arts Centre, Hawbush Road, Leamore, Walsall. WS3 1AG
0300 555 2898. Box Office open Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm.
www.walsallarena.com
Walsall Arena is a multi-purpose performance space located in Leamore, just 2 miles from Walsall town centre and 10 minutes from Junction 10 of the M6. It hosts a diverse range of events from live pop music, tribute acts, orchestral concerts to theatre performances, pantomime and comedy. The Arena has multiple spaces to hire and can accommodate large scale performances, conferences, exhibitions along with smaller meetings and seminars.
