TV Dani to have a ball in Cinderella
Dani Harmer, one of the biggest stars of children’s television, is set to play Fairy Godmother in Bath’s Christmas pantomime Cinderella.
She will appear on stage alongside comedian and award-winning writer Jon Monie, who plays Buttons and has also written UK Productions’ glittering 2021 show.
The panto will be staged at the Theatre Royal Bath from Thursday, December 16, to Sunday, January 9.
Bafta Award-winning actress Dani, known to millions of children for her television role as Tracy Beaker, recently starred in the 2021 CBBC series My Mum, Tracy Beaker, which received more than 2.1 million streams on iplayer on its opening weekend.
Dani first starred in the title role in CBBC’S hugely successful series The Story of Tracy Beaker from 2002 to 2005, followed by Tracy Beaker Returns from 2010 to 2012, based on the novels by Jacqueline Wilson.
In 2010, the series won the Children’s Bafta for Best Drama and Dani received a Bafta nomination for her performance.
In 2012 Dani competed in BBC1’S Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the final with her dance partner Vincent Simone. She also took part in the 2013 Strictly Come Dancing National Tour,
dancing with Pasha Kovalev.
She previously starred in the title role in the Theatre Royal’s 2014 pantomime Cinderella.
Looking ahead to this year’s show, she said: “I am super excited to be back in Bath. It’s one of my favourite theatres and it’s such a gorgeous city. I can’t wait to be reunited with the wonderful Jon Monie and playing the Fairy Godmother for the first time.”
Much-loved comedian Jon Monie – author of this year’s pantomime script – returns by popular demand to play Buttons. In January 2019, Jon entered the record books when he made his 1,000th Bath pantomime performance during the run of Peter Pan, in which he played Smee.
Now marking his 19th Christmas
show at the Theatre Royal, Jon is also an award-winning comedian and experienced TV presenter, having worked on many shows for ITV and BBC.
Last year he wrote Pantomonium!, which was staged at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre for online audiences. He also wrote the Theatre Royal Bath’s last pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, winning the accolade of Best Script at the Great British Pantomime Awards in 2019, as well as starring in the show as Louis La Plonk.
He said: “I’m genuinely thrilled that Cinderella will be going to the ball in Bath this Christmas. I’ve found time to write a brand-new script, packed full of new jokes, new surprises and same old me. I can’t wait!”
Producer Martin Dodd said: “We can’t wait to get back on stage at the beautiful Theatre Royal and perform again for the fantastic audiences that come to see us every year.
“We have a brand new script from Jon Monie and a fabulous cast to bring it to life, along with lots of lavish and spectacular sets and costumes, so polish off your pumpkins and get out your glass slippers, we can promise you’re going to have a ball!”
Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www. theatreroyal.org.uk