Having swapped sunny Summer Bay for Crewe this Christmas, Home And Away's Lynne McGranger's fairytale wish has come true, writes Tamzin Hindmarch

THE publicity material for this pantomime boasts "the biggest giant in Panto Land", but the aforementioned oaf is unlikely to cast a shadow over the star in this year's Lyceum pantomime, Jack And the Beanstalk.

Having only been in the town two weeks so far, already Lynne – best-known as reformed alcoholic turned caring foster mum Irene in Home And Away – has been turning heads when she pops to the shops during rehearsal breaks.

"I'm getting a lot of double takes," she smiles, of the reactions when passers-by wonder if they have really just seen a famous Australian soap star in their local supermarket.

"And I have quite a distinctive voice, so if I open my mouth, that's it. Even if they hadn't seen me before, heads turn when they hear me.

"So I've had my photos taken in the middle of Asda and I've signed a few autographs, and everyone has been absolutely charming."

While Home And Away fans might be overjoyed to see one of their favourite characters on their home turf, Lynne is equally excited about spending the festive season in Cheshire this year alongside fellow cast members Frazer Hines (Emmerdale and Dr Who) as Fleshcreep, Kerry Hewell (Fun Song Factory and Wakey Wakey) as Jack, Carolynne Good (Fame Academy) as Princess Tamara and Kevin McGreevy as Simple Simon.

"I jumped in a hire car and drove up from Heathrow for the first time which was an experience in itself," says Lynne, as to how her English adventure began, "and we've been working so hard since then that now the cast and I feel like we've known each other forever."

Delighted to be appearing in her ninth English pantomime, she adds: "Pantomime used to be a tradition in Australia. I grew up with panto, as up until the 1970s and 1980s, before we really became so Americanised, we were very British-influenced because so many of us have British heritage.

"I can remember my nana taking me to the pantomimes as a little girl and I loved it. But in Australia it's hot summer at Christmas, so parents were not always as keen to take the kids to the theatre when it was 40°C outside. Then, the arrival of surf and video culture further lessened its appeal.

"Because my grandparents were British, when I first joined the cast of Home And Away I was most excited about the fact it would give me the chance of one day working in pantomime in England. Here I am, 15 years later, and this is my ninth panto!

"I love Jack And The Beanstalk because it's a wonderful tale of good versus evil," she continues, "of triumph over adversity, and, of course, love. As well as that, it's a lot of fun. There are lots of comedy moments and there's lots of singing and dancing.

"I've played The Fairy before. I love her because I don't tend to play her as your standard fairy. Instead, she is a little bit goofy and a little bit wacky. For my costume, there's lots of toile involved and petals and plenty of draping. My costume is like me – over the top."

Jack And The Beanstalk can be seen at the Crewe Lyceum between Wednesday, December 3, and Saturday, January 3. For tickets, call the box office on 01270 537333.