Soap's Lancel to play panto villain

Andrew Lancel has taken a villainous new role - in a pantomime.

The former Coronation Street star, whose alter-ego Frank Foster was voted Villain Of The Year at the British Soap Awards this year, is to play wicked wizard Carabose in Sleeping Beauty at the Liverpool Arena.

"I'm thrilled to be appearing in Liverpool and to be playing this deliciously wicked character, which also presents some great comedic opportunities in the script. Bring on the boos, I'm ready!" he said.

Andrew will be joined by Bread actor Jonathon Morris as the Jester and children's TV character Fifi Forget-Me-Not as the Good Fairy, voiced by Jane Horrocks.

The production, which runs from December 14 until January 6, will be staged in a specially-built, 3,000-seat heated big top on the King's Dock site as part of a Christmas Family Festival extravaganza.

There will also be a rotating spinning tower castle, a 15-foot smoke-breathing dragon and a digitally animated projection of a growing forest of thorns, which envelops the castle.

Producer David Lee said: "It's so important to ensure the right balance of all the elements that make a great pantomime, including pace, atmospheric music, high energy and contemporary and traditional dance styles, a talented cast and a generous sprinkling of comedy - all which this show possesses."

Tickets for the panto are available on sale from June 22 at 9am from www.echoarena.com.