Cheeky funnyman Neil Hurst is to perform in the Halifax pantomime for the sixth year in a row.

Neil will headline the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk. It will be performed at the Victoria Theatre in December.

He will play Simple Simon, the loveable but rather silly brother of the hero Jack, and he is delighted to be returning.

Neil said: “It really would not feel like Christ- mas unless I was in panto at the Victoria Theatre.

“I was hoping I’d get to be the dashing hero who gets the girl this year, but they wouldn’t let me, so it will be custard pies in the face again for me!

“What makes it extra special is my two little girls are at the age where panto is a magical experience for them.

“I love all forms of theatre, not just pantomime, and I hope that the magic of pantomime will give them the same love of theatre that I have.”

Neil is regularly seen on TV alongside Vernon Kay in gameshow Family Fortunes.

Neil has also recently appeared in Fresh Meat, The Syndicate and as Grandad Jack in Babyballet Live – Twinkle’s Surprise Birthday Party.

Visit victoriatheatre.co.uk or call (01422) 351158 for further information.