Birds join panto stars

Two of DZG’s birds of prey had a starring role in the launch of this year’s Christmas pantomime at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Feathered VIPs Echo the barn owl and Jack the kestrel quickly made friends with the show’s stars, Joe Pasquale and Lucy Evans, as they gathered to launch the 2013 pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, which DZG is sponsoring,

Panto favourite Joe, who is playing Muddles along with Lucy, as Princess Beauty, couldn’t wait to take time out of their busy press schedule to hold the pair and hear all about the rest of DZG’s bird collection from keeper Kellie Piper.

Joe was particularly eager to hear about our feathered residents after revealing he was a big fan of birds and even kept a couple of talkative pet parrots at home.

The comedian was also delighted to accept an invitation from DZG CEO Peter Suddock to visit us during his panto run and meet some of the furry, feathered and scaly stars of our show as well as visiting Santa in this year’s Sleeping Beauty themed grotto – set in the heart of Dudley Castle!

Joe and Lucy posed for lots of photos with the birds and Echo was even generous enough to leave a small reminder of their visit all down Princess Beauty’s dress!

DZG CEO Peter Suddock, said: “We are delighted to be once again teaming up with The Grand Theatre and hope everyone will enjoy Sleeping Beauty and will then book into our Sleeping Beauty-themed grotto at DZG.

“It was also great that Joe Pasquale was so keen to hear about our work and animals and we look forward to welcoming him here soon.”

Sleeping Beauty at The Grand runs from December 7 to January 19. Visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01902 429212.  Watch the video of the Launch here>

DZG’s Santa’s Grotto, featuring Sleeping Beauty in Dudley Castle, starts on December 6 – for more details call 01384 215313.