INVITED guests to The Playhouse in Weston were lucky enough to get a sneak peak of what this year's pantomime will have in store. Cast and crew from Jack and the Beanstalk graced the stage on Tuesday for the launch of the show, which will play throughout

INVITED guests to The Playhouse in Weston were lucky enough to get a sneak peak of what this year's pantomime will have in store. Cast and crew from Jack and the Beanstalk graced the stage on Tuesday for the launch of the show, which will play throughout the festive season. Former Coronation Street actor Bruce Jones, who played Les Battersby in the soap, will take the role of villain Fleshcreep. His on stage rival will be Sue Hodge, formerly of 'Allo 'Allo fame, in which she played sexy waitress Mimi Labonq.The experienced pantomime actress will play Fairy Organic in the show. However, unlike Sue, Bruce has not had a lot of experience in the genre.He said: "This is only my second ever panto and my first one was nearly 29 years ago. I am quite nervous but I think it will be a lot of fun. I'm going to have to get used to the quick costume changes and performing live. It's very different to filming a TV show."All the cast members have only met each other briefly but everyone seems really friendly, which is nice as this will be the first time I will have spent Christmas away from home."Bruce will be joined by other cast members including Lee Carrol, a West Country based comic who will play Simple Simon, and James Horne, who will take the role of Dame Trott.Tom Solomon, who appeared in last year's show Dick Whittington, will return to Weston in the lead role of Jack Trott. Joanna Kirkland will play Princess Amelia, Jack's love interest. Jack and the Beanstalk will also feature dancers from the Weston-based Tina Counsell School of Dance. The show will run from December 17 to January 13, 2008. Tickets, priced £12.50-£14.50, will be available from The Playhouse box office on (01934) 645544.* Pictured: Bruce Jones and Sue Hodge.