Bolton’s Christmas panto cast revealed

6:00am Saturday 30th November 2013 in News

Ben Ryan Davies as Jack, Mervyn Francis as Fleshcreep, Charlie Cairoli jnr as King, and Stu Francis as Stuie

PANTO season is almost upon us — and leading this year’s production is Waterloo Road star Ben Ryan Davies, who says he can’t wait to tread the boards of the Albert Halls for the first time.

The 24-year-old, who recently finished filming with George Clooney and Matt Damon for Second World War movie The Monuments Men, joins a star-studded cast in this year’s production of Jack And The Beanstalk.

Crackerjack legend Stu Francis returns again, this year playing Stuie, Hollywood stuntman Paul Flanagan, from Farnworth, plays the Giant, Blackpool’s Charlie Cairoli Jnr plays the King and Mervin Francis has the part of the evil Fleshcreep.

They will be supported by students from Dawn Dawson’s Academy of Dance and Stage.

Ben said: “Panto is something different for me. I’m used to doing TV and it going on tape rather than doing it in front of a live audience — but that gives it that edge, especially with it being panto.

“Everyone will be in good spirits because it’s nearly Christmas and the audience are always up for a good laugh.

“This show won’t disappoint at all. The cast are great, as are the dancers from Dawn Dawson’s Academy.

“The boys doing the double act are so funny. And Stu Francis, of course, everyone knows Stu. I can see why everyone loves him. Then there’s Paul as the giant which will look great.”

Ben added: “It has been challenging with all the amount of props we’ve got, but it’s a good challenge and I can’t wait to get on the stage.”

Despite filming with the likes of George Clooney and, more recently, Philip Glennister for a new BBC drama From There To Here, the 24-year-old is a proud Northern lad.

He said: “Everyone says I’ve got a really broad accent. I love the North. I’m from Rochdale, but whenever I go abroad or away from here everyone thinks I’m from Bolton.

“I don’t know if I have some Bolton in me. The audience here will understand me at least.”

Veteran producer Duggie Chapman, who runs Duggie Chapman Associates from Blackpool, says it is the biggest pantomime he’s ever created.

“The cast has gelled together nicely, and this year we have got new dancers from Dawn Dawson’s Academy supporting them. They come in each day after school and they’re fantastic,” he said.

“I’m really happy with the way it’s all falling together. It’s a strong cast and crew and it will be our biggest panto ever.”

n To book tickets for the panto, which runs from today until January 5, call the Albert Halls box office on 01204 334400.

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Bolton’s Christmas panto cast revealed