THE star of children's TV classic Rainbow heads the cast list at a North-East theatre's Christmas pantomime this year.

Geoffrey Hayes, whose main claim to fame was his 20 years starring in the ITV series, will star in the Gala Theatre panto in Durham later this year.

Minus his familiar Rainbow sidekicks Zippy, George and Bungle, he will appear as the King in the Gala's festive version of Jack and the Beanstalk.

He was unveiled along with co-stars Paul Hartley, who will play the villainous Flesh Creep, and Kirsti McDonagh, who will play the princess, at yesterday's launch at the Gala.

Producer David Lee promises an "absolutely spectacular" version of the show, which he believes will be the best of the three pantos his company, Pantoni, will have staged at the theatre.

Having disappeared from public spotlight, Geoffrey Hayes' acting career has been resurrected by the growing cult status of Rainbow on the university circuit.

Such has been his return to public prominence that he was among the celebrity cast list appearing on Peter Kay's Is This the Way to Amarillo video for Comic Relief.

A pantomime fan, he is looking forward to his first appearance on stage in Durham, for the run of Jack and the Beanstalk, from December 8 until January 8. Early ticket details are available from the Gala box office on 0191-332 4074.

Published: 24/05/2005