Northwich Memorial Court theatre has announced the dates and cast for this year’s Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

Venue managers Brio Entertainment say it will be ‘a fantastic event for all to enjoy, and full of fee, fi, fo, FUN’.

Alongside Northwich panto legends Ryan Greeves, playing Jack Trott, and Steve Moorewood as his long-suffering mother Dame Trott, audiences will be able watch a performance by national treasure Su Pollard in the role of the fairy.

The 72-year-old actress and singer shot to stardom in 1979 after landing the role of chalet maid Peggy Ollerenshaw in BBC hit comedy Hi-de-Hi!, which was set in a holiday camp.

She had previously appeared on Opportunity Knocks in 1974, singing ‘I Cain’t Say No’ from Oklahoma! coming second to a singing Jack Russell terrier.

Audiences will also have the chance to see ITV chaser Mark ‘the Beast’ Labbett in the role of the villainous Fleshcreep.  

The 57-year-old TV personality is a former maths teacher, qualified solicitor and world champion quizzer.

His first TV quiz show appearance was on BBC’s University Challenge in 1996, and since then he has appeared on Mastermind, Countdown, University Challenge and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

The show’s producer, Anton Benson, said: “We are delighted to be back at Northwich Memorial Court with another fun-filled and laughter-packed panto this Christmas.

“It is a real treat to be able to bring Su Pollard to Northwich and we hope audiences will enjoy her performances as much as we enjoy working with her.”

Northwich's 'favourite princess' Georgie Jackson will also play opposite Jack as, perhaps unsurprisingly, Jill. 

Performances start on Saturday, December 5, and will run until Saturday, December 31, 2022.

For tickets, visit brioentertainment.org or by calling 0333 666 3366.