Dean trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.
He is best known for his role as Robbie Jackson in BBC’s “Eastenders”. He arrived in Albert Square in 1993 as part of the Jackson family and over the years has established Robbie as one of television’s most popular characters. Dean has proved himself not only as a talented comedy actor but also as an actor of great sensitivity, handling with skill a wide variety of storylines.
Dean’s previous television credits include : Terry Jakes in “The Bill” (Talkback Thames) and Mickey Drake in “Oasis” (Carlton tv) & more recently on the ITV show 'True Crime'.
Film credits include : “The Power Of One”, “Young Indiana Jones” both for Warner Bros and can most recently be seen starring in the hugely successful Sky Independent feature film "Reckless".
As a boy Dean made his theatre debut appearing at the Queen’s Theatre in London’s West End in Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”. He enjoyed a tour for Bill Kenwright of “Unexpected Guest” & also had fun with Ricky Gervais in his series “Extras”. Dean also appeared in the hugely popular childrens show MI HIgh .He also had the pleasure of breaking box office records with Calendar Girls.
Dean was in the No 1 UK Tour of "A Murder is Announced" & then went straight into the next production playing the lead in "Murder in Play' and more recently Dean toured the UK in "The Pickwick Papers" playing Sam Weller.
Dean's infamous stint in the jungle for ITV's "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" was voted
Ant and Dec's favourite ever trial throughout the 22 series' of the show.
Lets Dance for Comic Relief saw Dean & his fellow "Soapstars" get through to the grand final of the show eventually losing out to Anthony Cotton ! His efforts helped raise over £1m for Comic Relief.
One of his most popular advertsing campaigns was for the hugely successful viral campaign for MARMITE & is thrilled to have been back to Albert Square to make sure that all is well (or not!) with his Eastenders Family.
In 2020, Dean charmed his way through "Celebs Go Dating" for E4.
Most recently, he has been developing a new television comedy series with the original creator of his iconic Eastenders character, Robbie Jackson.
Rob was born & raised in East London. Since turning pro in 2014 he has taken on many roles mainly spanning comedy, music & impersonation. This Christmas is a very special occasion as it marks Rob's 10th anniversary treading the boards at the Woodville! He began playing King in Sleeping Beauty back in 2017 and has since portrayed villains, heros, comedy roles and most recently, the dame since 2022. Outside of panto, Rob has spent the past 2 years touring the UK's biggest theatres starring in Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors & Awful Egyptians.
Theatre credits: Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors (UK tour), Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians (UK Tour), Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames (London), Treasure Island (EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge), Fear & Misery of the Third Reich (UK schools tour), War of the Worlds (Metal Exchange, London), Aladdin (Kingdom International Theatre, Riyadh), The Little Mermaid (QE2 Dubai), Only Fools & Horses (West End, Australia tour, Edinburgh Festival), Fawlty Towers (West End & nationwide tour), Wizard of Oz (Abney Park), Tom, Dick & Harry (Dugdale Centre).
Film credits: Pat Tate in The Essex Boys Tapes (Amazon Prime), Samuel in Kill Room, DI Ryan Harris in Hound (Amazon Prime)
Rob also appears regularly in commercials and is a busy voiceover artist working with Blue Dragon, Sony Movie News and Transport for London amongst others
Insta: @cobrummings
JezO is absolutely delighted to be back in the heart of Gravesend at the amazing Woodville Theatre, for another fantastic pantomime season!
First of all, JezO would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a magical New Year. He’d also like to say a huge thank you for purchasing this programme. Not only does it support the show, but it also keeps our fearless leader, producer, chief decision maker, and all-round Boss, Tom Swift, very happy indeed. And trust us… a happy Tom Swift is a wonderful thing! Much like the Wizard himself, Tom pulls the levers behind the curtain, although slightly fewer smoke effects.
This marks JezO’s 11th year working with Tom Swift and the brilliant team at Wicked Productions. Over the past 14 years of performing in pantomimes, JezO has battled giants, sailed with pirates, followed yellow brick roads, and rubbed magic lamps. Last year was the very first time, JezO donned a frock! And had the most amazing fun, walking closely with Rob Cummings as a Sister. What an eye opening experience it was. Frankly, JezO had no idea there was so much freedom, so much airflow.
JezO is playing the Scarecrow a character famously searching for a brain. Fortunately, that’s one role he’s been preparing for his entire life.
In fact, when he was offered the part, Wicked Productions said, “We need someone convincing as a man with no brain.”
JezO knew: “Finally! A role I don’t need to research.”
When he’s not wandering down the Yellow Brick Road wondering what day it is, JezO spends the rest of the year touring the UK and Europe with his one-man comedy magic show, entertaining audiences in theatres, holiday parks, resorts, and venues of every shape and size. This year JezO has just completed one of the biggest holiday park tour on record, with 117 dates this year.
JezO isn’t just a magician. He’s a one man tornado of comedy, chaos, audience participation, and mind blowing magic! His performances are packed with laughs, surprises, and moments that leave audiences asking, “How did he do that?” closely followed by, “Is he actually supposed to be doing that?”
Much like Dorothy in a cyclone, audiences never quite know where they’re going to end up.
JezO doesn’t just break the fourth wall he charges through it at full speed, waves at the audience, and then somehow makes the wall disappear altogether. If the Wizard of Oz had hired him, the Emerald City would probably have vanished before the interval.
Throughout his career, JezO has toured the UK with his hugely popular children’s production, JezO’s Magic and Laughter Show, bringing giggles and gasps to theatres nationwide. He has also entertained audiences aboard cruise ships and has toured with productions including West End Magic, WOW! This Show Is Magic, Hansel and Gretel, King Silly, Treasure Island, and Magic! The Tour.
His pantomime adventures include:
• Billy in Jack and the Beanstalk (Harlow Playhouse, 2012)
• Pimple in Beauty and the Beast (Woodville Theatre, Gravesend, 2014)
• Wishee Washee in Aladdin (Theatre Royal, Margate, 2015)
• Mr Smee in Peter Pan (Theatre Royal, Margate, 2016)
• Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (Theatre Royal, Margate, 2017)
• Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk (Theatre Royal, Margate, 2018)
• Wishee Washee in Aladdin (Theatre Royal, Margate, 2019)
• JezO in The Magic of Panto (Diss Corn Hall, 2020)
• Silly Willy in Robin Hood (Theatre Royal, Margate, 2021)
• Buttons in Cinderella (The Empire Theatre, Blackburn, 2022)
• Phillipe Philoppe in Beauty and the Beast (The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate, 2023)
• Billy Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk (Woodville Theatre, Gravesend, 2024)
And now, in 2026, he returns to the role of Scarecrow. Apparently after nearly a decade of experience, he finally feels qualified to play someone with no brain.
Away from the stage, JezO is President of The Cambridge Pentacle Magic Club and a proud member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He regularly lectures at magic clubs across the country on a subject he’s incredibly passionate about: ENTERTAINMENT!
His expertise has also seen him work as a magic consultant and adviser for performers throughout the holiday park industry. For the past three years, he has worked alongside renowned illusionist and TV Magic Director Russ Stevens as Magic Technician on a Britains Got Talent.
In 2022, JezO received one of the highest honours in family entertainment when he was crowned Family Entertainer of the Year at the prestigious Blackpool Magic Convention. It’s an achievement he’s enormously proud of and recognition of his unique ability to combine comedy, magic, mayhem, and audience interaction into one unforgettable performance.
JezO’s talents have even taken him onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent, where he appeared alongside his father, Dr Bondini. Together they delivered a wonderfully chaotic blend of danger, comedy, and family chemistry that left both the judges and audience thoroughly entertained and slightly concerned for their safety.
Much like the Tin Man searching for a heart and the Lion searching for courage, JezO has spent his career searching for the perfect joke. Sadly, he’s still looking.
Whether he’s performing impossible magic, causing complete chaos, wandering off the Yellow Brick Road, or forgetting where he was going because he’s playing a brainless Scarecrow, one thing is certain:
There’s no place like a pantomime.
Thank you for joining us on the Yellow Brick road and Enjoy the show!
Byron is back for his third consecutive year at the Woodville and could not be more excited to be bringing joy & laughter to the wonderful people of Gravesend this festive season! Byron Witchell is a dynamic performer born and raised on the breathtaking South coast amid the scenic beauty of the New Forest. From his roots, he quickly rose to prominence as the Lead Vocalist and Assistant Entertainments Manager at Warner Leisure Hotels, where his magnetic stage presence set the venues ablaze.
Venturing into London’s Cabaret scene, Byron made waves with his compelling performances, captivating audiences with his modern and energetic style. He then took his talents to the high seas, hosting on cruise vessels across Europe and the Caribbean, injecting his infectious energy into the travel experience.
However, it was on the National Theatre Tour of CBeebies’ “Tree Fu Tom” that Byron truly became a recognizable name, stepping into the role of “Tom” and connecting with young audiences nationwide.
In recent years, Byron has become a comedic standout in Pantomimes across the UK, shining as Chester the Jester in Bolton. His exceptional talent has led to the creation of a specially crafted show, a testament to his growing fan base and modern approach to entertainment.
A unique and versatile performer, Byron Witchell continues to leave his mark on the entertainment scene, promising a future filled with electrifying and contemporary experiences for audiences.
Credits Include:
‘Buttons’; Cinderella (2025-26) ‘Jack’; Jack & the Beanstalk (2024-25) ‘Silly Snowy’; Freezin (2024) ‘Chester’; Sleeping Beauty (2024) ‘Jiminy Cricket’; Pinocchio (2024) ‘Clarence Casanova’; Beauty and the Beast (2023) ‘Hansel’; Hansel and Gretel (2023) ‘Piles’; Mother Goose Cracks One Off (2023) ‘Chester’; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (2022) ‘Silly Snowy’; Freezin (2022) ‘Mad Hatter’; Alice in Wonderland (2022) ‘Silly Billy’; Rapunzel (2022) ‘Chester the Jester’; Sleeping Beauty (2021) ‘Dandini’; Cinderella (2019)
You can follow Byron on Instagram @byronwitchell
Georgia trained in Musical Theatre at East Kent College and has been performing from a young age. Her extensive pantomime credits include Rapunzel, Peter Pan, Dorothy Gale, Jill Trott, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, Princess Jasmine, and Maid Marian. Her musical theatre credits include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Roxie Hart in Chicago, Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5, Sandy in Grease, Ariel in Footloose, and Vanessa in In the Heights.
Georgia is delighted to be returning to The Woodville this Christmas and to be working alongside such a talented cast and creative team. This year, she is especially excited to take on the role of the Lioness, embracing the opportunity to play a completely different type of character. Having often portrayed leading ladies and princesses, she is thrilled to explore a more comedic, character-driven role and can't wait to bring plenty of fun, energy, and mischief to the stage.
Christina Akinyelu has been performing since she was little, growing up training at Tracy Pegler School of Dance in Gravesend, where she developed her love for performance and built a strong foundation in dance, acting and stagecraft.
Having recently played Dorothy in her school production of The Wizard of Oz, Christina is thrilled that this role now marks her first professional job. With a lifelong passion for storytelling through dance, music and theatre, she is excited to be making her professional debut as Dorothy and cannot wait to share the magic of Oz with audiences.
Panto was where it all began for Kate in 1982, when she was cast in “Jack and The Beanstalk” in her hometown of Weston-super-Mare. Since then, she has travelled all over the country performing and is thrilled to be back with Wicked Productions and returning to Gravesend for The Wizard of Oz” this Christmas having first performed here 30 years ago!
She completed her training at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom, graduating with a diploma in dance and musical theatre and various teaching qualifications to her credit.
Now, after more than 40 years on the stage Kate is happy to consider herself something of a Panto Veteran, having performed the roles of Beauty and Good Fairy in “Beauty and The Beast”, the Good Fairy and Wicked Queen in “Snow White”, Glinda, The Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz”, Princess and Aladdin in “Aladdin” the title role in “Cinderella” and her all-time favourite, “Tinkerbell” in Peter Pan for which she was nominated for a Great British Pantomime award.
As a vocalist Kate has appeared as a backing singer for P.P. Arnold in “The Convention” at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London, and as a featured soloist and backing singer with the reformed 80’s band “Modern Romance”.
Behind the scenes she has devised, choreographed and produced her own touring cabaret shows, and more directed several pantomimes and theatre productions and two highly successful National Tours of “The Wizard of Oz”.
Kate has co-founded her own children’s theatre company, “IGNITE”, as a result of which she has directed junior productions of “The Lion King”, “Seussical”, “Beauty and the Beast”,
“Matilda” and “Madagascar” each with a cast of over 100 children and enjoys teaching singing and drama in several Bristol schools. In her spare time(!) Kate is the lead singer of “You, Me and The Dancefloor” a Bristol based pop/rock covers band.
Lottie recently graduated from professional musical theatre training and is delighted to be appearing in this year’s production of The Wizard of Oz with Wicked Productions. Returning to perform with the company is especially meaningful, as Lottie made her stage debut at the age of six in Wicked Productions’ very first pantomime.
Lottie’s theatre credits include Lavender in Matilda the Musical in the West End. Whilst training, she appeared as Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, Kyler in Bring It On, Blanche in Grease, Kristine in A Chorus Line, and in the Greek Chorus in Legally Blonde. Her screen credits include the Sainsbury’s Christmas television commercial.
Lottie is delighted to be part of this year’s company and hopes you enjoy the show.
Tom has spent more than sixteen years producing, writing and directing pantomimes with Wicked Productions, bringing laughter, adventure and a healthy helping of mischief to audiences of all ages. Having begun his career as a professional pantomime comic, performing across the UK and overseas, he knows first-hand that the audience is every bit as important as the cast.
His producing, writing and directing credits include Rapunzel, Treasure Island, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, The Wizard of Oz, Robin Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Rapunzel Rocks, The Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland and The Jungle Book. At the heart of his work is a love of live theatre that brings families together, with big laughs, memorable characters and plenty of surprises along the way.
Away from the world of pantomime, Tom is beginning work on Dogz, a new adult comedy musical which he hopes to produce within the next couple of years.
This season, Tom is delighted to bring The Wizard of Oz to The Woodville in Gravesend. He would like to thank his wonderful cast, creative team and everyone at the theatre for the talent, energy and care they have put into bringing this much-loved story to life, from the first rehearsal to the final journey down the Yellow Brick Road.
Most of all, he would like to thank you for joining the fun. Cheer loudly, boo enthusiastically and get ready for an adventure over the rainbow!
Enjoy the show!
Kerry fell in love with Panto aged 21, when she returned from a number of years working as a dancer overseas.
She worked in her first professional pantomime in 1997 at The Central Theatre, Chatham (Peter Pan), and went on to play the Wicked Queen in Snow White at The Cresset, Peterborough. Kerry then secured a full-time role as a Creative with Hammond Productions, where she worked for five years across their ten venues around the UK.
Kerry later moved into producing acts for the live entertainment industry, creating shows for nightclub chains Chicago Rocks and Jumpin’ Jaks. Her production company also collaborated with Bourne Leisure to produce and choreograph the in-house production shows for all 52 Haven and British Holiday Parks. She continues to be the resident choreographer for pantomimes at Seal Bay Resort in Selsey, and her choreography has also featured across Europe for leading holiday providers including Thomson, Thomas Cook, and First Choice.
For the last 13 years, Kerry has choreographed numerous pantomimes including Dick Whittington, Snow White, Cinderella, Mother Goose, Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty—taking her to York, Gravesend, Sevenoaks, Dunstable, and Weymouth. Her touring show credits include Alice in Wonderland with Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee, Treasure Island starring Edele Lynch from B*Witched, and The Jungle Book and Jack and the Beanstalk for Wicked Productions.
Recently, Kerry has also been working as a presenter and content creator with Must Have Ideas - so if you recognise her face, now you know why!
Kerry cannot wait for you to enjoy The Wizard of Oz at The Woodville Theatre this year.
Toby is currently Musical Supervisor on the Scottish revival of Guys & Dolls, opening at the Lyceum Theatre in April 2027. He is musical arranger on a major upcoming Punchdrunk project in the Middle East, and supervises on the upcoming UK tour & London productions of Burlesque The Musical.
Other credits as musical supervisor include Bank of Dave (Curve/The Lowry); Burlesque (Savoy Theatre) and Oliver! (Leeds Playhouse). As associate musical supervisor, Tina (UK Tour & Brazil); Sally Wainwright TV drama Riot Women (BBC) and the world premiere of Clueless The Musical (Churchill Bromley),
Credits as Musical Director: The Karate Kid (Mirvish Theatre, Toronto); A Christmas Carol (Northern Stage); Alma Mater (Almeida Theatre); The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida Theatre); Rock Follies (Chichester Minerva Theatre); The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (Gillian Lynne Theatre); Tina (Aldwych Theatre & Brazil); Calendar Girls (UK Tour); Sunshine On Leith (West Yorkshire Playhouse); The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium/UK Tour); Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane); The Wizard of Oz (Sheffield Crucible); Oliver! (UK Tour); Avenue Q (UK Tour); Little Shop of Horrors (Menier Chocolate Factory/UK Tour); The Braille Legacy (Charing Cross Theatre), and a series of symphonic concerts with Joss Stone.
As Children’s Musical Director: Oliver! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).
As Associate Musical Director: Little Shop Of Horrors (Duke of York’s/Ambassadors).
As Assistant Musical Director: Les Miserables (Queens Theatre); This Is My Family (Sheffield Theatres); Mamma Mia! (International Tour).
Toby trained at Trinity College of Music and Royal Academy of Music (DipRAM). Toby is also an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
Training: B.A. (hons) Theatre Design & M.A. Scenography, U.C.E. Birmingham; Linbury Prize for Stage Design finalist, 1997; nominated four times for Best Set/Costume Design at the Great British Panto Awards, won in 2022.
Cleo is delighted to be back designing her second panto in Gravesend! Other regulars include Watford Palace Theatre, Greenwich Theatre, Belgrade Coventry, New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Nottingham Playhouse and the Hackney Empire.
As well as many shows in the UK, others include – in Bermuda, over twenty musicals: The Addams Family; Mamma Mia!; The Producers; Jesus Christ Superstar; Oliver!; The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas; Into the Woods; Dreamgirls; Cabaret; Beauty and the Beast; The Full Monty; Ragtime and Fiddler on the Roof. In Dubai: Fame; Blood Brothers; Woman in Black; Annie; High School Musical (1 & 2); Abigail's Party; Don't Dress For Dinner; Dial M for Murder; The Sound of Music (Time Out Award: Best Musical), transferred to Bahrain and Qatar. In Canada: the opening two seasons for Montgomery Theatre, Prince Edward Island, with works from Wilde to Coward and Shaw.
Opera: The Marriage of Figaro (Lyric Hammersmith); Cosi Fan Tutte, Tosca (Christ’s Hospital, Horsham); Simon Boccanegra, The Merry Widow (Bloomsbury Theatre); Don Giovanni, (Heaven, Charing Cross). For Anchorage Opera: The Magic Flute; The Sound of Music; The Pirates of Penzance.
In New York, A Christmas Carol (New Players Theatre); Joyisms (Looking Glass Theatre)
