A HARRY Potter actor will perform alongside an Eastenders star and take the audience over the rainbow at this year’s Bradford Playhouse Christmas Pantomime.

The Wizard of Oz will star Chris Rankin, who played Percy Weasley in the film series, as Scarecrow and Melissa Suffield - Lucy Beale in Eastenders, plays Dorothy.

The production is by Trio Entertainment, and will also feature local children as Munchkins. Auditions for the roles will be held on August 11.

Miss Suffield said: "This is my second time playing Dorothy having played the part in 2014 with Trio Entertainment and I cant wait to be back. Its extra special to have Chris as Scarecrow as we both appeared on Celebrity total wipeout together a few years ago."

Mr Rankin said: "I am really looking forward to being in front of a live audience and being involved in the whole family panto experience. I have appeared in a number of pantomimes but always as the baddie so I am really looking forward to playing Scarecrow."

Producer from Trio Entertainment, Kevin Brown said: “The Wizard of Oz promises magic, music and laughter by the bucket load. We’ve got a fantastic family pantomime with a first-rate cast. This will be the first time producing the pantomime at Bradford and we are really looking forward to it.”

The pantomime will run at the Playhouse from from December 21 to December 30 . To book tickets, visit bradfordplayhouse.org.uk or call the box office on 01274 800415.

Tickets cost £12.50 at an early bird rate.