Jack Ballard, son of Martin who played the dame in Leicester De Montfort Hall’s panto for many years, is to follow in his father’s footsteps.
He will play Dame Trott in the 2023 production Jack and the Beanstalk. He is no stranger to panto, having performed for years across the UK, but this will be his first appearance in his home city.
Jack Ballard said, “I didn’t tell my dad I was going to audition for the Leicester panto, so it was a big surprise to him and very exciting for me when I was told I’d been offered the role. I know I have a big bra to fill but hopefully I’ve learned from the best. I know the audiences in Leicester are wonderful and I can’t wait to get started.”
Christina Harris will play Jill Mills and Mark Beauchamp will be Fleshcreep. Sofia Bennett, Thomas Brackley, Amy Rose Gordon, Amariah James, Ran Marner and Kayden Patel will be in the ensemble along with a supporting team of youngsters.
They join previously announced BBC Radio 2 DJ and presenter Scott Mills who will make his panto debut as the King and Mayor, The X Factor winner Sam Bailey who will be Fairy Flutterby, A1’s Mark Read who will take the role of Jack and funny man Jarred Christmas who will be Lazy Larry.
Jack and the Beanstalk will run from Friday 15 December until Sunday 7 January 2024.