Former Coronation Street star Nick Cochrane is swapping Weatherfield’s cobbles for the yellow brick road in Bolton.
Nick, who played Andy McDonald in the much-loved soap, will be appearing in the Wizard of Oz at the town’s Albert Halls on April 12 and 13.
He is playing the wizard in the Easter pantomime alongside Emmerdale and Holby City star Gemma Oaten as Glinda the good fairy.
They will be joined by Britain's Got Talent finalist Steven Hall, who wowed the judges with his zany dance routines, as the Cowardly Lion and rising comedy star Stuart Earp as the Scarecrow.
Vocalist Bessie McMillan will play Dorothy, the innocent farm girl who is whisked from Kansas to the magical land of Oz. Gary Amos is the Tin Man and Lucy Rollason is the terrifying the Wicked Witch of the West.
Children – including some from Bolton – from the Anita Tymcyshyn School of Dancing in Middleton will take centre stage as the Munchkins.
Bolton Council’s Assistant Director for Community Services, Donna Ball, said: “A pantomime isn’t just for Christmas – oh no it’s not!
“The Wizard of Oz is the perfect family treat for the Easter holidays with laugh out loud comedy, brilliant musical numbers and a fantastic story about the power of friendship which will melt the hearts of both young and old.”
Performances take place at 6pm on April 12, and 2pm and 6pm on April 13.
Tickets cost £12.50 to £15 from www.quaytickets.com/boltonalberthalls/ or 0843 2080 500.