A STAR-STUDDED cast paid Weymouth a visit ahead of this year’s brand new panto experience.

The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk put their schedules on hold to get to know each other ahead of the festive show, which is backed by the Dorset Echo.

This year’s stars are said to be part of the strongest cast to perform in Weymouth.

Those visiting included Lynne McGranger, who has played Irene in Home and Away for 20 years, Andy Abraham ‘the singing dustman’ who came second in the X Factor in 2006 and pop star Anna Kumble who found fame in the 1990s under the stage name Lolly.

For almost 20 years Weymouth’s annual panto has been produced by Spillers’ Pantomimes but this year’s show is being brought to the stage by Kent-based Magic Beans Pantomimes.

Ms McGranger praised Weymouth and said she is looking forward to meeting the locals.

“It is a really beautiful place. I just love it here and I am looking forward to getting to know the locals when I come back for rehearsals in November.

“I am playing the bad fairy Fleshcreep. I love the role because it is a change from my character in Home and Away.

“I think it is one of the most professional pantomimes I’ve been involved in,” she said.

The cast spent the night getting to know one another at Weymouth’s Riviera Hotel before trying on costumes ahead of the show.

Mr Abraham, who is playing King Crumble in the show, said he was excited to get involved with his first panto.

He said: “I am looking forward to it because I love audience interaction, singing and performing.

“I’ve been to Weymouth before and I can’t wait to explore the area more.”

Miss Kumble, known as Lolly, said she loved meeting the cast and was excited to start rehearsals.

She said: “I’m very excited to play Fairy Fabulous. It is great because it is so fun and I can’t wait to work with the rest of the cast.

“Weymouth is a great place to be and I’m so happy to be involved.”

The company, which is also running a festive show in Sevenoaks, is run by self-proclaimed ‘panto geeks’ Jamie Alexander Wilson and Simon Cossons.

Mr Wilson said: “We are delighted with the cast because we want the best quality show possible. I think it is the strongest cast that Weymouth has seen for some time.”

Jack and the Beanstalk is at Weymouth Pavilion from December 15 to January 6, 2013.