Drag Queen Steals The Alhambra Show

In a year when Alhambra stalwart, Billy Pearce, won his battle against some potentially debilitating health issues, it was wonderful to see him in great form last night, in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but it was just as refreshing to be introduced to another comedy great: drag queen extraordinaire, Myra Dubois.

And, at a time when it is clear that Monsieur Pearce, now celebrating his 25th anniversary at the Alhambra, has clearly been told to slow down or take it a bit easier – he has always worked at 150mph – I am delighted to report that the doctor’s advice has paid dividends for the annual panto as a whole.

For that marginal shift in gear has paved the way for another ‘lead comic’ to shine, in this case dame, come baddie, come drag act, Dubois as Queen Lucretia. And what a breath of fresh air it all was.

In recent years the Alhambra had become a bit ‘samey’, same one-liners, same sketches, same spectacle elements, which, to some extent was still the case, but because Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was less about Pearce it also meant that other elements were able to come to the fore, giving this year’s production so much more va va voom.

Pearce was still the silly lad and a key component but he and Dubois became a near double act; more balanced, both with funny lines, and it worked: they fed off each other and the result was so much better.

And, this year, I have to say that the set dance numbers, largely plot linking elements, were both spectacular and as sharp as a razor. Whether it was because several of the dancers all trained at the Renaissance Arts Conservatoire in Leeds, I’m not sure, but choreographer Stillie Dee’s numbers were modern and full of energy and movement with clean high kicks and strong lines. And yet we still have the sunbeams, a tradition that goes back decades at the Alhambra.

Risque? As always, a resounding yes and that’s half the fun: gags that would be downright disgusting if they were ever said out loud……but they never are! The comedians just leave it to the audience to join the dots. Listen out for the pleasant plucking tongue twister. Hilarious!

The 12 days of Christmas gag takes its usual place on stage – a bit tired but the punters love it - there are seven dwarfs, which is fantastic (and one referred to himself as a dwarf before you decide to have a go!), there was a flying monster, kids on stage, and another star – Sinitta as The Spirit of the Pantomime.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has all the elements of a Grade A theatre Christmas winner. There are some new faces, new gags and the love of Bradford’s life, Billy Pearce, is on the mend, now that is something to be happy about this Christmas! A great night of festive fun.

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
Alhambra, Bradford until Sun 18th January 2026