Over 74,000 saw the latest panto at Bradford Alhambra, with theatre celebrating record audiences
The acclaimed Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starred panto legend Billy Pearce
OVER 74,000 people went to see the latest Alhambra pantomime, making it one of the “strongest seasons to date” for the Bradford institution.
The acclaimed Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ran from December 6, 2025, to January 18, 2026, playing to packed crowds at the city centre theatre.
Now it has been revealed that 74,300 people went to see this year’s show, with people from 13 countries attending.
And over half came to the theatre from outside of Bradford – cementing the Alhambra panto’s status as one of the North’s top festive shows.
Live the previous 24 years, the pantomime starred comedian Billy Pearce – this time playing the Man in the Mirror.
He was joined by pop star Sinitta as The Spirit of Pantomime and drag star Myra DuBois as evil Queen Lucretia.
The show featured spectacular effects, with Billy flying over the crowds in a helicopter and Lucretia riding a huge, smoke breathing dragon.
There were also spectacular musical performances and vaudeville style sketches involving Billy and Myra.
Over the years, a visit to the Bradford pantomime has become an annual tradition for many families, and the mix of bawdy humour and fairy tale magic means the shows are popular with adults and children alike.
It is a huge income generator for Bradford’s Council-run theatre service, and helps bring a huge amount of people to the city centre every winter.
The Alhambra is considered one of the finest theatres in the north of England, and has hosted acts like Laurel and Hardy, Ken Dodd and Tommy Cooper over its 111-year history.
After the run ended Billy Pearce took to social media to say: “That’s another Panto wrap and it was up there with the best we’ve ever done, with the best people.”
In previous years the panto has regularly attracted 70,000 people.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Bradford Council how many people had been to see the latest panto.
Adam Renton, General manager, Bradford Theatres said: “This year’s pantomime has welcomed an extraordinary 74,300 audience members, marking one of our strongest seasons to date.
“Visitors travelled from more than 13 countries to enjoy the show, with Bradford audiences once again leading the way and making up almost 43 per cent of total attendance.
“We were especially proud to host nearly 9,000 schoolchildren from across Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, Halifax, Sheffield, Huddersfield and Blackburn — for many, their very first experience of live theatre.
“This year’s pantomime has received outstanding reviews, and we already look forward to returning in December with another exceptional production: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.”