EVERY proper panto needs a wild card, and Llandudno’s Sleeping Beauty is no different. Oh no it isn’t!

Heading to the town for his second professional pantomime, master ventriloquist Kieran Powell will join the cast of Venue Cymru’s seasonal spectacular as Muddles from Saturday, December 7.

One of the finest variety acts in the kingdom, Powell began his career in showbiz aged just five, with aspirations to become a magicians before realising his dream seven years later to become a ventriloquist.

Creating original characters that make his act a world apart from the creepy ventriloquist dummies of yore, Powell has gone on to perform for royalty at the West End, for athletes at the 2012 olympics and has a sell out smash show Speak for Yourselves to his name.

Speaking to The Pioneer, Powell said: “It’s just the best fun. I spend most of my life performing alone - with puppets, who spoiler alert, aren't real - so it really nice be on stage stage with a cast of 27 people and seeing them every day."

They say never work with children or animals, and you may as well add dinosaurs to the list.

Alongside former Coronation Street actor Sherrie Hewson and panto dame Nigel Ellacott, expect Powell’s prehistoric pal Dave the Megasaurus, there will no doubt riotous disruptions galore to steal away the spotlight from his massively glamorous co-stars.

Powell added: “Nigel and Sherrie are also the nicest people. I’ve heard for years about how nice they are, everybody talks about them and finally when i met them I was made to feel welcome an involved.

“I love having big characters to bounce off. I’m known for working with puppets - but I can be funny on my own too!

“Come to see us, and meet my friend Dave the Megasaurus - he’ll be your friend too!”

To see the wickedly talented Powell - and Dave - on stage in Sleeping Beauty, head to Venue Cymru from Saturday 7 until Sunday 29.

Tickets start at £19.50, to book and for showtimes visit venuecymru.co.uk or call the box office on 01492 872000.