ACTORS at the Macron are all set to bring festive cheer to the Macron next week with the start of its pantomime Aladdin.

The show begins its run at the Middlebrook stadium on Monday and will star Bolton comedian Stu Francis as Wishee Washee.

He will join Joe Maw, Holly-Robyn Harrison , Dwain Haydn, Mike Raymond and Paul Flanagan in Aladdin, by the Gerry Graham Pantos and Productions, at the stadium's Premier Suite from December 11 to 24.

Paul Holliday, head of marketing and communications at Bolton Wanderers, said: “The Aladdin Panto starring Bolton’s very own Stu Francis is proving popular with families across the town.

“Rehearsals are going really well and we cannot wait to welcome everybody to the Premier Suite at Macron Stadium.

“We’ve still got some tickets remaining so if you are looking for some family fun and entertainment this Christmas make sure you visit our panto.”

Bolton Wanderers recently invited the comedian to their Lostock training ground to get some keep fit practice in before he hits the Macron Stadium stage.

He said: "I've never been here before and they said why not come down and get fit for the pantomime – no one said it would more or less kill me!

"As a fan it's great to come here, see the lads – who are all very sweet – but this weather, what that's Winter Hill for you! It's definitely got the right name.

"You have to be fit to do panto, it's full on – bright, brash and colourful!

"Being local it's really nice for me to do a home show, it's better than being out on the road.

I've done the panto at Bolton before and the audience is terrific and because I'm a local lad I like to slip in a few local references too."

Stu is best known for hosting children’s television programme Crackerjack from 1979 to 1984 with Basil Brush, through his paces on the pitch at the Eddie Davies Academy.

Anyone who is interested in going to see Aladdin can get tickets at eticketing.co.uk/bwfc