Royal & Derngate is delighted to announce that iconic children’s TV star Dani Harmer, best known for playing Tracy Beaker, is to join the cast for its family pantomime Beauty and the Beast this Christmas.

Dani Harmer will be spreading her magic as Fairy Cupid, with the previously announced Steve McFadden (EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell), as her villainous adversary.

BAFTA Award-winning Dani is one of the biggest stars of children's television having played title role in CBBC’s The Story of Tracy Beaker, Tracy Beaker Returns, My Mum Tracy Beaker and The Beaker Girls, alongside many other screen credits. Dani reached the finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, with her partner Vincent Simone, and, as well as numerous pantomimes, her stage appearances include playing Janet in the 40^th Anniversary tour of cult musical Rocky Horror Show.

Holly Gladwell, Royal & Derngate’s Deputy CEO (Programming and Producing), said: “We’re really excited to be welcoming Dani Harmer to our panto cast. Tracy Beaker is a much-loved CBBC show that so many people have grown up with. I can’t wait to see Dani cast her fairy charm over Beauty and the Beast at this magical time of year!”

Building on the success of last year’s smash hit The All New Adventures of Peter Pan and 2024’s Cinderella, which won for Best Choreography in the UK Pantomime Awards, Royal & Derngate are pleased to be continuing their ongoing partnership with pantomime producers Evolution Productions. A family business, run by husband and wife Paul Hendy and Emily Wood, Evolution are delighted to have won ‘Pantomime of the Year’ at the UK Pantomime Awards in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2025. Paul also won ‘Best Script’ for Aladdin in 2024.

Emily Wood added: "We're really thrilled Dani Harmer will join Steve McFadden in Beauty and the Beast. Two beloved TV icons together in a pantomime that promises to be our most spectacular and hilarious yet! We can't wait to share this magical show with the families of Northampton this festive season."

As always, the Royal & Derngate pantomime promises to bring top-quality, hilarious, 5-star entertainment, packed with laugh-out-loud thrills, stunning costumes, lavish sets and fabulous music.

Beauty and the Beast will run from Friday 4 to Thursday 31 December. Tickets – priced from just £14* – can be booked online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk/beauty-and-the-beast or by calling Box Office on 01604 624811. Concessions, Groups, Schools and Members discounts are available. A range of access enhanced performances will be on offer including Captioned, Audio Described, BSL Interpreted and Relaxed performances. Pre-show afternoon teas are also available for selected performances for a truly magical festive outing.

* A non-refundable £4 per-transaction fee applies for bookings of £20 and over. Does not apply to Groups and Members. Prices may change subject to availability.

The countdown to Beauty and the Beast starts now ...