X-Factor singer and Portsmouth-born Sean Smith announced for Kings Theatre pantomime Dick Whittington

Sean Smith will play Dick Whittington in the show of the same name at the Kings Theatre in Southsea this year.

Portsmouth-born Sean was one half of the duo Same Difference, with his sister Sarah, and reached the final of X-Factor back in 2007.

He has since embarked on a solo music career and other theatre work but is excited to join local favourite Jack Edwards and the rest of the cast at this year’s show.

Sean said: ‘I’m thrilled to be involved in what is something of a homecoming for me.

‘Pantomime season is always such a magical time and this year more than ever it’s so important to bring a fun, feelgood factor to everyone in the community after a tough period.’

Theatre chief executive Paul Woolf said: ‘Our pantomime is really starting to take shape and I’m so excited to have Sean with us.

‘Sean represents everything which we are looking for as part of our panto this year – a real community feel which Portsmouth can be proud of with some great talent.

There will be reduced audience capacity to ensure social distancing rules can be kept to and other safety measures will be in place.

Paul added: ‘We are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that when Christmas comes around, we can have a fantastic time, where everyone is in a safe environment.

‘I encourage everybody to show their support for our wonderful theatre and buy tickets for a proper Pompey family night out.’

SEE ALSO: Mayflower Theatre announce Christmas pantomime Cinderella will be postponed until 2021

The pantomime will run from Saturday, November 28, until Thursday, December 31, with a free performance for NHS and key workers on Wednesday, December 2, as well as a number of special school performances.

Sean added: ‘Panto at the Kings Theatre is something I remember growing up with and I feel that it’s written in the stars for me to be back there this year. I’ve been really impressed by all the measures which the theatre are taking for when the show begins and I can’t wait to see everyone.’

Recently Sean teamed up with his sister to make an NHS charity single featuring the voices of more than 100 children from across Portsmouth.

Tickets for Dick Whittington will be £20 and are available to buy at kingsportsmouth.co.uk/dickwhittington

It comes after the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton postponed its Christmas pantomime of Cinderella until 2021 with bosses saying government guidance has been unclear.

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