AN ACTOR has made his return to panto after spending the year on the road.

Actor Michael Jenkins, who has spent the year touring theatres across the length and breadth of the country in the UK tour of The Greatest Show: Songs from Hollywood, has delighted panto-goers by making his return in Wrexham’s popular festive pantomime.

He is starring as villain, Flescreep in this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at The Stiwt Theatre in Rhosllanerchrugog.

Originally from Wrexham but now living in Gobowen near Oswestry, Michael is starring in his fifth pantomime at the historic theatre.

This is also the fourth year running, he has directed the show, after building up strong acclaim from audience members, due to his comedic but also professional standard of production.

Performing alongside reality television star, Jordan Davies, best known for his role as a rep on ITV2's The Magaluf Weekender and its successor Ibiza Weekender, Michael said the pantomime’s success continues to grow year in, year out.

He said: “I’m delighted to be back and once again directing the pantomime. It’s always great fun and has really built up a strong reputation regionally, with not only the same audience members coming back year after year but also welcoming new faces too, off the back of the positive reviews they’ve heard from their friends and family members.

“Most of my year has been spent up and down theatres and concert venues across the country, performing in the nationwide tour of The Greatest Show: Songs from Hollywood.

“Just some of the cities and towns I’ve performed at include Liverpool, Birmingham, Portsmouth, Canterbury, Bury St Edmunds.

“It’s been fantastic to perform at such a variety of brilliant venues, a definite highlight was performing at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. However, it doesn’t half feel good to be back at home, performing at the Stiwt. There’s something very special about my hometown theatre, largely due to the rich history it’s steeped in.”

Michael says this year’s audience members are “in for a treat”.

He said: “This is probably our strongest pantomime yet, we’ve got an extremely talented cast, who have worked so hard to make it the best show it can possibly be. I think we’ve all gelled really well together as a cast.”

Lee Kelly, managing director of LHK Productions, who produce the pantomime at The Stiwt every year, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome back Michael as not only our panto bad guy, Fleshcreep but also in the Director’s seat.

“He’s an immensely talented guy, who puts his heart and soul into the panto every year.

“We’ve had only strong feedback from our audience members this year so far, so if you get a chance and you haven’t seen it yet, I’d highly recommend you booking your tickets.”

Performances of Jack and the Beanstalk will run until December 31.

Tickets are available from www.stiwt.com or from the box office on 01978 841300.