X Factor star announced as lead in Clacton panto
Ben Haenow will be Jack in Jack & the Beanstalk at Christmas
It seems way too early to be thinking of Christmas - but Clacton's Princes Theatre are.
They've announced former X Factor star Ben Haenow will be starring in this year's panto, Jack & the Beanstalk.
Ben, who won the musical talent competition in 2014, will play the title role.
The panto, brought to the Princes Theatre by Anton Benson Productions, will run from 4 December 2021 until 1 January 2022.
Ben, who had the Christmas Number One in 2014 with his hit single 'Something I Need', said he was looking forward to reprising the classic panto role of Jack Trott.
He said:
"I'm excited to hit the stage and bring lots of laughs and a good time for audiences at the Princes Theatre.
"It's been such a tough time for performers across the arts, so to get back into venues and play for audiences - something we all live for - will be awesome; especially with something as classically brilliant as panto. Oh yes it is!"
Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council, which runs the Princes Theatre, said the seasonal show was hotly anticipated:
"One of the biggest things I think we all missed when theatres were forced to close due to Covid-19 was the panto; and while it's traditional in pantomime to 'look behind you' I'm very much looking forward to this year's show.
"Anton Benson Productions always bring a great panto, and with Ben Haenow in the starring role we're assured of a top performance from such an expert vocalist and someone with such great charisma."
Further casting announcements will be made throughout the year.
If you want more uplifting news stories like this one, just ask your Alexa device to "Open Happy News"