It's not just the creature at the top of the beanstalk that is giant in this year's Cheltenham Playhouse panto.

So are the ambitions of 20 young people selected to perform alongside its cast throughout the Christmas season. Oh yes, they are!

The professionals behind the historic theatre's festive extravaganza are welcoming young actors from one of the county's leading drama schools, Theatre Studio, in celebration of the school's 40th year.

Jack and the Beanstalk will feature a cast of professional actors including Rosie Weston (Silence! The Other Palace), and Charlie Burt (The Great Gatsby & Doctor Who: Time Fracture).

The staging rivals productions in far larger theatres, organisers say - but with the audience far closer to the action.

The Cheltenham Playhouse's panto has become a banner event for the county, with over 90% of last year's performances selling out.

This year's production is directed by Kieran Mortell, himself a graduate of Theatre Studio. His acting career has since seen him tour as King Julien in Madagascar! The Musical worldwide, in Much Ado About Nothing and Othello as part of Shakespeare's Pop-Up Globe, perform in several productions on London's West End, and most recently starring in season two of US television show The Ark (SKY & Now TV).

Kieran said: "Bringing a fun, different, contemporary family pantomime to the Playhouse is such a joy. We like to take a twist on the traditional pantomime and utilise a space that's intimate enough for everyone to feel part of the performance!

"Part of what makes the Playhouse panto so special is the theatre itself - it has such history and atmosphere, and that really adds to the audience experience."

Twenty young people from Theatre Studio will take centre-stage during performances of Jack & The Beanstalk, with two groups of 10 sharing the shows between them.

Kieran added: "Growing up in Gloucestershire, Theatre Studio was such an important part of my training. Getting to create work alongside working professionals is so exciting.

"This panto features pro actors who are performing in theatres up and down the country all year-round - having them in Cheltenham for Christmas is a real treat for our audiences. And they love sharing their experiences with the local youngsters, too."

Kieron Milsom and Matt Nolan are the producers of this year's panto, which is sponsored by Tarren Productions' Winter Glow.

Milsom, who is also the theatre's current chief executive, said: ""The Playhouse is Cheltenham's community theatre. Jack and the Beanstalk is an all-signing, all-dancing panto that will look glorious onstage - the quality really is amazing this year.

"We're also committed to making sure everyone can see a great panto this year, and that's why we're keeping ticket prices as affordable as we can.

"The idea is to make Jack and the Beanstalk the Gloucestershire community's panto - a great night out that everyone can enjoy, and that works a little magic of its own. Who knows - maybe you'll also see a star of tomorrow!"

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Cheltenham Playhouse from Friday, December 13, to Monday, January 5.