Abbie Budden, Michael Greco and Louie Spence join cast for Ipswich Regent Theatre’s Christmas Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk

The cast of an Ipswich theatre’s Christmas pantomime has been revealed.

TikTok star Abbie Budden, EastEnders actor Michael Greco and dancer Louie Spence are among those who will take to the stage for Jack and the Beanstalk at the Regent Theatre later this year.

Gavin Ashbury returns as this year’s dame as does Regent panto stalwart and comedian Mike McClean.

Ms Budden will lead the cast, taking on the role of Jill, while Mr Greco, best known as Beppe di Marco in EastEnders, will step into the shoes of this year’s villain, Fleshcreep.

Mr Spence will round out the cast as Spirit of the Beans.

Produced by Enchanted Entertainment, 24 performances of Jack and the Beanstalk will take place between December 17 and 31.

The company has handled festive performances at the theatre for a number of years, including last year’s Sleeping Beauty, 2022’s Peter Pan and 2021’s Aladdin.

Cllr Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council’s portfolio holder for culture and customers, said the authority was delighted to bring another ‘star-studded’ panto to the theatre.

She added: “We’re proud to continue working with Enchanted Entertainment who have brought so many successful shows to Ipswich, and we can’t see what our latest panto has in store.”