Some familiar faces are set to take to the stage at Bolton’s Albert Halls this Christmas for the traditional family pantomime.

Jack and the Beanstalk will see Maureen Nolan returning to the venue to play Fairy Sunshine. As part of the group The Nolan sisters, Maureen had a string of chart hits and sold more than 30 million records around the world. She has also enjoyed a hugely successful career as a musical theatre star playing Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers both in the West End and on tour around the UK.

The Blood Brothers connection continues in the shape of Peter Washington who will play King Bumble in the festive production.

Peter has appeared in Brookside, Heartbeat and Shameless on TV but is best known for playing Sammy Johnstone in the Willy Russell musical a role he has undertaken on numerous occasions over the past 25 years.

TV viewers will also be familiar with Connie Hyde who plays the baddie, Poison Ivy, in the Albert Halls show.

She played Sally Seddon’s sister Gina in Coronation Street and was also in The Bill for three years as PC Cathy Brailsford. Connie, who studied drama at Accrington and Rossendale College, took her first steps in the theatre at the Octagon where she volunteered as an usher while still at school.

The panto cast also includes Eleanor Faye as Silly Sammi, Kelly Aaron as Princess Jill Morgan Jackson as Jack and Mark Two as Dame Trott.

Kelly has previously spent the Christmas period in Bolton last year when she played Belle in Beauty and the Beast at the Albert Halls.

Also returning after a hugely successful season last Christmas is Mark who was Dame Dolly Doughnut.

The production will also feature the biggest giant in panto land as Jack embarks on a magical journey to the castle in the sky as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the cow.

Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “The annual pantomime is always one of the highlights of the year at the Albert Halls, offering something for audiences of all ages.

“We hope to see a packed house every night for what is sure to be an evening of family fun in a spectacular venue.”

Polka Dot Pantomimes' production of Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Friday, December 2 to Sunday, January 1. For details, visit www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk.