The legendary Tracy Beaker, aka Dani Harmer, is set to star in a York pantomime this year it’s been announced.
It was previously revealed that Beauty and the Beast would be the pantomime at the Grand Opera House this year – a new show that meant Berwick Kaler and his legendary panto gang would not be returning this Christmas.
The Berwick panto ran for three years at the Grand Opera House, and before that had been the York Theatre Royal panto staple for decades.
Beauty and the Beast will run at Grand Opera House York from Saturday 7 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.
Today the first members of cast have been announced – with BAFTA award-winning actress Dani Harmer starring as Fairy Bon Bon.
Dani said: “I’m super excited to be back in my favourite Panto of all time, Beauty and the Beast! I adore playing the loveable and slightly bonkers Fairy Bon Bon, so cannot wait to put on my wings once more.
“And even more exciting to be coming to the gorgeous city of York! I can’t think of a better place to be spending the Christmas period. So, bring on the Yorkshire puddings and I really hope you enjoy our magical beauty of a show.”
Joining Dani will be award-winning comedian Phil Reid as Louis La Plonk, with Dame extraordinaire and musical theatre star Leon Craig (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Disney’s Aladdin) as his larger than life mum, Polly la Plonk.
Musical theatre star Phil Atkinson (The Bodyguard, Joseph & his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Little Shop of Horrors) stars as the dastardly Hugo Pompidou, with David Alcock (The Mousetrap, BBC’s SAS Rogue Heroes) as Clement.
Casting for Belle and the Beast will be announced shortly.
UK Productions, in their third year of producing the Grand Opera House pantomimes, are once again teaming up to deliver the festive spectacle.
Managing director and producer Martin Dodd said, “We are delighted to be returning to the beautiful Grand Opera House and even more so that we can bring one of our favourite productions for the Christmas Season.
“The show is filled with comedy, show stopping tunes, a cast of top musical performers, magic, and an award-winning script by Jon Monie. It’s a fantastic show for young and old and one that is sure to make your Christmas complete.”
Tickets for Beauty and the Beast are already on sale, starting from £15 and available via the Grand Opera House website.