Further casting has been announced for Jack and the Beanstalk at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent this Christmas.

Musical Theatre, TV personality and Hear’Say star Noel Sullivan joins the cast as Fleshcreep and Stoke-on-Trent panto favourite Kai Owen returns as Farmer Trot. They will be joined by Stoke-on-Trent panto returner Rio Maye as Spirit of the Beans, and West-End performer Michelle Andrews as Princess Jill, running from Friday 15 December 2023 - Sunday 7 January 2024.

The news follows the earlier announcement that Stoke-on-Trent’s favourite panto star Jonathan Wilkes is back to lead the cast in the title role of Jack Trot, in what will be his 19th season at the Regent Theatre panto.

Noel Sullivan is a well-known Musical Theatre and TV personality, best known for being a member of the British pop group Hear’Say. Theatre highlights include Dewey Finn in School of Rock (Gillian Lynne Theatre), Drew Boley in Rock of Ages (UK National tour), Tick / Mitzi in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK National Tour), Galileo in We Will Rock You (UK National Tour) and Danny Zuko in Grease (Piccadilly Theatre). Noel is currently starring as Donovan in In Dreams, a new musical that uses the iconic music of Roy Orbison.

Kai is best known for his portrayal of Rhys in the worldwide hit series Torchwood created by Russell T Davies. In 2015 Kai was cast as Pete on Channel 4's Hollyoaks. He was involved in an extremely powerful storyline that along with support from the NSPCC gained great acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Kai is a familiar face to Stoke-on-Trent audiences having appeared in several pantomimes on the Regent stage. Helping to bring the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk to life, Kai will be playing the role of Farmer Trot and bringing all his usual mischief and comedy to the stage.

Rio Maye made her professional debut in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at the Regent Theatre last Christmas and has recently graduated from Wilkes Academy. Rio has performed on Dancing on Ice for Oti Mabuse, worked with Stormzy at Reading & Leeds Festival, as well as starred in multiple music videos for various artists.

Michelle Andrews’ credits include Kiss Me Kate (Coliseum), Pippin (‘Southwark Playhouse), On the Town (Open Air), Sweet Charity (Royal Exchange), West Side Story (Kilworth House), Miss Atomic Bomb (St James), Anything Goes (Sheffield Crucible), Hairspray (Leicester Curve), Chicago (Leicester Curve), Top Hat (Aldwych), Babes in Arms (Union) and Crazy for You (Novello). Michelle is currently performing with Strictly’s Anton and Giovanni as part of their Him & Metour.

Brought to audiences by the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes, Jack and the Beanstalk will feature all the madcap mayhem Stoke-on-Trent audiences have come to expect from the Regent’s Christmas spectacular. With remarkable special effects, stunning song and dance, plenty of audience participation and an amazing 3D giant.

Booking is now open, with tickets available online at atgtickets.com/stoke.