Fe Fi Fo Fun!Rehearsals for this year's pantomime at the Regent Theatre are underway today.

IPSWICH: Fe Fi Fo Fun!

Rehearsals for this year's pantomime at the Regent Theatre are underway today.

The stars of this year's show, Jack And The Beanstalk, all came together for the first time yesterdayat the theatre in Ipswich, and started intensive rehearsals for the next 13 days before the opening night.

Among the recognisable faces in the production will be Ken Morley, known for his Coronation Street character Reg Holdsworth, who will be playing Dame Trott, and Antony Costa - frontman of boy band Blue - playing the lead of Jack.

The villain of the panto will be played by James MacKenzie from CBBC's TV series Raven.

The 15ft giant, which will take two people to operate, was also due to arrive.

Produced by Duo Pantomimes, this is the Regent's fifth big panto, and there is expected to be plenty of comedy, spectacular sets and extravagant costumes in the tale of magic beans and giants.

David Mansfield, The Regent's general manager, said: “From my point of view it is a really strong cast. In the past we have tended to have one key lead, but this year there are three big names.

“This is our biggest production of the year. We are very excited about it. We would encourage people to get their tickets early and come and enjoy the show. It is going to be a giant of a panto.”

There will also be singers and dancers from The Stacey Pepper Dance Academy based in Ipswich.

The panto opens on December 19 and runs until January 10, 2010.

Tickets are now on sale. To book, call the Box Office on 01473 433100, or visit www.ipswichregent.com.

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