Put those ice creams away – it’s panto time.

A glimpse of the festive season came to Chatham on Saturday as families turned out to Chatham’s Central Theatre to get a sneak preview of this year’s panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.

The cast includes Olympic ice skater Robin Cousins, Graham Cole, best known as PC Tony Stamp in police drama The Bill and Hollyoaks actor, Joe Tracini, son of comedian Joe Pasquale who lives in Higham.

Last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast saw a record 25,000 in audiences.

Recently announced to the line-up is Graham Cole, best known as PC Tony Stamp in police drama The Bill.

Graham is a veteran panto performer having played at venues across the country - bit it is his first visit to Medway.

He said : “I’ve lost count, but I think this must be my 36th panto, and I just love it. We as the cast have fun and the audience have even more fun, which is just as it should be.

"It’s all about looking out there are seeing the different generations.From grandparents to small children.”

He met his fellow cast members hours before over breakfast at the Thomas Waghorn,the new Wetherspoons pub in Railway Street.

He said: “We all gelled fantastically. I’m looking forward to getting the show going and finding time to visit some of the historical sites in Rochester and Chatham."

Graham will take on the role of King Cuthbert.

Hollyoaks actor, Joe Tracini, son of comedian Joe Pasquale who lives in Higham, is hoping to keep the audience spell-bound.

Joe, who grew up in Medway and went to school in Rochester, will take the part of Simple Simon. And as a proud member of The Magic Circle plans to have a few tricks up his sleeve.

His warm-up act kept the crowd amused as he looked back on his fond memories of the Towns and in his particular his love of the old Pentagon Grill in the shopping centre.

Performances run from Thursday December 8 until Saturday December 31.
Tickets are available on 01634 338338 or online at www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

For more, see Friday’s Messenger.