Pantomimes all over the country have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic – but one man is riding to the rescue.

Award-winning character comic Tom Binns – best known as hospital radio DJ Ivan Brackenbury - is bringing his new one-man panto to Brierley Hill Civic for three nights this Christmas to ensure families can still get their festive fix. 

Buttons: The One Man Panto is suitable for the whole family and will feature a number of cameos, via Zoom, from panto legends including Bernie Clifton. 

Ten minutes into what should have been Cinderella, Buttons realises he’s on his own as the rest of the cast have been furloughed.

The star-studded cast from the cancelled panto make a surprise appearance on video call but Buttons is left to carry the show. With the help of his Fairy God Mentor, played by Clifton, he rediscovers the magic just in time for a happy ending. 

The one-hour show is running from 6.30pm on Monday December 21, Tuesday December 22 and Wednesday December 23 at the Bank Street venue.

Tickets are now on sale and are already being snapped up quickly.

It is being put on by Funny Beeseness, whose boss Wayne Beese said: 

“We’re delighted (oh yes we are) to be bringing a panto to all the boys and girls of Brierley Hill and beyond this year. 

“Going to the panto is a tradition for so many families at Christmas so it’s gutting to see that so many have had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. 

“Tom is one of our most popular acts and is a real bona fide comedy genius, so when we heard he had written a panto we knew we had to put it on. 

“It will be in a Covid-safe environment, with two-metre distancing between social groups, extra distance between rows and drinks service to seats. We also offer a guarantee that if the shows aren’t able to go ahead, we will immediately refund all tickets. 

“It’s been a horrible few months, so we hope putting this on will bring a bit of joy and light to people of all ages at the most magical time of the year.” 

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £8 for children aged 16 or under. A family ticket for two adults and two children is available for £35. 

To book, or for further information, visit funnybeeseness.co.uk.