Panto fun is just around the corner with a former Eastenders star, A TV and dance sensation and a TikTok and West End star ready to put on a show for the town this Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk will run at the Ipswich Regent from Tuesday 17 December until Tuesday 31 December.

Eastenders legend Michael Greco who played Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap opera from 1998 to 2002 will play Fleshcreep.

TV and dance sensation and former Celebrity Big Brother star Louie Spence will play Spirit of the Beans while TikTok and West End Star Abbie Budden will play Jill.

The cast at the official launch of the panto on Tuesday.The cast at the official launch of the panto on Tuesday. (Image: Lucy Taylor) Former Richard and Judy and The Big Breakfast reporter Mike "squeaky clean" McClean will play Silly Simon.

The Shameless star and stand-up comedian has been a regular at Regent pantomimes since 2014.

The cast outside The Ipswich Regent in St Helen's Street. The cast outside The Ipswich Regent in St Helen's Street. (Image: Lucy Taylor) Gavin Ashbarry who featured in Sleeping Beauty returns this time as Dame Trott while Peter Lavery will play Jack. 

Abbie Budden.Abbie Budden. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Louie Spence said; “Panto is really hard work but I’m excited to know I’ll be able to be at home with my family and my dogs all having Christmas dinner together on Christmas Day.

"I live just across the border in Essex. It is going to be amazing for me. It will be the first time in 14 years I’ve been home for Christmas."

Michael Greco said: “I love it, the most fun parts are the baddies. I’ve played Ebanaza before and also Captain Hook. You just have to raise your voice louder than the boos!”

The panto will be performed for two weeks in December. The panto will be performed for two weeks in December. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Abbie Budden added: "I’ve not been to Ipswich before, and I can’t wait to get started. It’s an absolutely fantastic cast. I think we are going to have a lot of fun.”