THERE will be a double dose of pantomime action in Bolton this year.

As well as Jack and the Beanstalk at the Whites Hotel, Horwich Leisure Centre will take the reins from the Albert Halls — which is currently closed for renovation works — to bring the Emerald City to the borough with its production of the Wizard of Oz.

Stars include former Eastenders and The Bill star Chris Simmons, who played DC Mickey Webb in the ITV series, has been cast as the Scarecrow, panto veteran and CBBC star Lucinda Rhodes will add a little sparkle as Glinda the good fairy, and musical theatre star Rebecca Cummins will don ruby slippers as Dorothy.

Chris said: "I can't wait to be in pantomime this Christmas. It looks like a lot of fun. I have previously played Buttons in Cinderella and Dick Whittington before and can't wait to appear in The Wizard of Oz."

Last week the pantomime cast came to Horwich to promote the pantomime which seen them visit local sites include Old Station Park and Bolton town centre.

Producer Kevin Brown said "It was great to get out into the community of Bolton and meet and greet local residents with the pantomime cast. The response from the public has been great and is already breaking box office records with some shows already sold out.

"Our company has been producing professional pantomime since 2007 and we can't wait to transform the Leisure Centre's performance space into a magical world beyond the rainbow.

"Our Production of The Wizard of Oz has already toured the country and we are really pleased to be able to bring it to Horwich this Christmas."

The much loved story of The Wizard of Oz will be at the Horwich Leisure Centre from Sunday, November 29 to Thursday, December 3. Tickets can be booked it person at Horwich Leisure Centre, Online on boltonpanto.co.uk or by calling 01204 334488.