Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Dudley Zoo & Castle have announced a continuation to a partnership that sees two family-friendly attractions unite – a tradition that spans 128 years at the theatre.

The Grand Theatre attracts thousands of families to Wolverhampton each year, as does a collection of the world’s rarest animals to Dudley, who find their home in the grounds of an 11th Century castle at Dudley Zoo. Head of Commercial and Events at the Grand Theatre, Paula Jones said:

“We are delighted to welcome back Dudley Zoo as local partners. Working with the team at the Zoo and being able to take our pantomime stars to meet some of the Zoo stars is always a great experience.

“We would like to express our thanks to everyone involved and here’s hoping the relationship continues to build on the strong foundation that we already have.”

Zoo Director, Derek Grove added: “We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre again for the next two years.

“The magic of theatre always delivers great fun for all the family and we’re excited to be involved once more.”

The move comes as Dudley Zoo launches ‘The Chronicles of Dudley Castle’ - the popular Santa’s grotto in the 11th century castle this year which opens on December 1st and runs until Christmas Eve. DZC Marketing Manager, Andrea Hales, added:

“Our grotto has been a popular event in thousands of families’ Christmas countdown celebration for decades and we’re so pleased to be able to reinstate the experience in the castle again following the last few years.

“We’re delighted to have already secured our first bookings and we look forward to welcoming everyone on site in December.”

Earlier this year, the cast of Aladdin went to visit Dudley Zoo and spent time feeding the lorikeets, meeting the snakes and Ben Cajee read a bedtime story to the tapirs!

Tickets for Aladdin at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 3 December are now on sale at grandtheatre.co.uk.