Abergavenny-based actor Adam Byard is set to star as loveable funny man Idle Jack in the panto Dick Whittington at Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon over the festive season.

It’s Adam’s fourth year in a Jermin Productions panto and he’s become a real crowd-pleaser with his comedy timing and clown-like antics on stage.

But, away from the stage, the 26-year-old is also carving out a successful movie career.

Having already played alongside Minnie Driver in Hunky Dory, he is soon to star in a new feature film entitled Excalibur Rising - scheduled for release in spring 2017.

The film is a re-imagining of the Arthurian legend centred around Arthur’s illegitimate son Owain (played by Adam) who must learn to take up his father’s mantle as king. It’s been made and produced by Neath-based production company Tornedo Films and directed by Anthony Smith.

Adam, who lives with his girlfriend in Pentre Road, Abergavenny, spent six weeks shooting the film on location in Wales and had to learn stage combat and various stunts for the action-packed mythical movie.

“It was a fantastic experience and so different to anything else I have done before. Sword fighting and dressed in period costumes, I felt like I was in Game of Thrones,” he said.

As well as his lead role in Swansea-based film Hunky Dory, Adam has also appeared in popular TV series such as BBC One’s Doctors and Holby City.

“The best thing about being an actor is being able to play such diverse and different roles,” he said.

“I absolutely love panto, especially being on stage. It’s the best feeling making people laugh and now that I’m living back near my family, it will be even more special to perform in Brecon in its first festive panto.

“I have been part of the Jermin Productions Pantomime company since it started and what’s great is to see the same familiar faces that have watched and supported the show every year back again every Christmas .

“The panto has got bigger and better and this year’s show Dick Whittington is my all-time favourite. It has something for everyone.”

Dick Whittington will play for a limited run during the Christmas and New Year festivities (from Wednesday December 28 to Monday January 2) at Theatr Brycheiniog.

Audiences will join Dick as he sets out on a hilarious antic-filled journey in search of fame and fortune from Brecon to London. Will he be able to fight off the raucous King Rat? Will he find his true love with the beautiful Alice Fitzwarren? There is only one way to find out…

The production will be jam-packed with all the classic traditional pantomime ingredients - stunning sets, brilliant songs, dazzling choreography and heaps of comedy slapstick to encourage plenty of laughs and audience participation!

Tickets are now on sale from the Box Office on 01874 611622 or online (£14 adults, £12 concessions and £45 family of four, with discounts available for groups).

* Jermin Productions was set up in 2013 by Mark and Nia Jermin who combined their vast experience and knowledge of the creative industry to produce a new and fresh pantomime on their doorstep.

With Mark accountable for a professional acting agency and over 12 stage schools across Wales and Nia performing in West End Shows and UK Tours across the country, the two were a perfect pair.

The company has gone from strength to strength and this year’s the rags to riches tale of Dick Whittington will run for a total of 49 shows visiting four South Wales venues.