Graham Cole, best known for playing PC Tony Stamp in the ITV series The Bill, is to play the villain in Lichfield Garrick’s 2015 panto.
Cole, who performed as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the Garrick in 2011, will play Hemlock in Jack and the Beanstalk.
He said, “I'm genuinely excited and delighted to be asked back to play the villain in Jack and the Beanstalk. I’m looking forward to working with (director) Ian Adams and the talented team at the Garrick again. My wife Cherry is also thrilled to be coming back to Lichfield, as we had such a lovely Christmas in the city the last time we were here.
“I love playing the intimacy of the Garrick, and once again I’ll have the chance to look children in the eye and say 'boo me—if you dare'.”
For the ninth successive year, the panto will be written and directed by Ian Adams. He will also play Dame Mary Trott.
Said Adams, “Graham is a great pro and a wonderful ambassador for the theatre. I can’t wait to work with him again.”
Jack and the Beanstalk will run at Lichfield Garrick from Thursday 3 December until Sunday 3 January 2016.