Corrie star Calum Lill leads Jack and the Beanstalk at new Oak Theatre

A brand new theatre in Scarisbrick is getting its first festive outing this year – and it’s bringing a familiar face with it.

Calum Lill, known to millions for playing Joel Deering in Coronation Street, will take on the role of Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Oak Theatre at Scarisbrick Hall near Ormskirk. The pantomime runs from Saturday 13 to Wednesday 24 December, with tickets starting from £14.

He’ll be joined on stage by seasoned panto dame David Dale as Dame Trott, with real-life couple Danny Childs and Sue Fulton as Jack Trott and Princess Jill. Mary Shanker appears as Mary the Fairy, and Michael Lawless plays King Bling.

The show follows Jack who swaps his family’s cow for a handful of mysterious beans that grow sky-high overnight, leading him into a larger-than-life adventure. Expect the classic battle between Jack and the scheming Fleshcreep as he tries to rescue Princess Jill from the giant.

Audiences can look forward to two-and-a-half hours of music, dance, colourful costumes, impressive sets using the venue’s 4K digital wall and plenty of special effects, all wrapped in a fast-paced, laugh-filled script.

Calum, who has also appeared in Hollyoaks, Doctors and Holby City, returns to the role of Fleshcreep after playing him in Bournemouth last Christmas.

He said: “I loved my time playing Fleshcreep last Christmas, so I’m excited to return to the role this season and also to be able to perform in such a fantastic new space like the Oak Theatre. I can guarantee audiences plenty of laughs, magic and festive cheer.

“Pantomime is often the first time a child is introduced to the thrill of live theatre, and I remember myself as a small boy being absolutely mesmerised by Peter Pan. I’m looking forward to getting back on stage as the baddie – bring on the booing!”

The Oak Theatre, a 390-seat state-of-the-art venue in the grounds of Scarisbrick Hall School, has teamed up with Anton Benson Productions to stage its first professional panto. The company produces pantomimes across the North West and has worked with stars including Les Dennis, John Thomson, Kerry Katona, Mark Labbett, Su Pollard and Basil Brush.

Producer Anton Benson said: “We’re delighted to add the Oak Theatre to our Christmas panto family, and that we have a Coronation Street icon to launch our first year. It’s always exciting to help a new venue build a pantomime audience and we’re looking forward to bringing our brand of laughter and pantomime magic to Scarisbrick.”

Oak Theatre general manager Tom Cain added: “I’m thrilled to announce Oak Theatre’s first ever pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, which will fill the auditorium with laughter this Christmas. Anton Benson is a hugely respected and experienced panto production company which delivers top quality entertainment, so I know our audiences are in for a real festive treat.

“Along with the public performances there will be six schools-only shows during the run, plus an adults-only night, so I can guarantee a good time for all, whether you’re four or 94.”

Schools’ performances run from 15 to 19 December.