Members of Royal & Derngate’s pantomime cast brought a touch of early Christmas magic to town today (Tuesday) as they officially launched Beauty and the Beast, this year’s spectacular family show. The cast had a chance to gather together for the first time, meet the team at the theatre and get some great publicity shots.
TV legend Steve McFadden (EastEnders) heads up the cast as the boo-able baddie, Grumblewart, alongside iconic children’s television star Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker) as Fairy Cupid.
Steve has been on our screens as Phil Mitchell in EastEnders for over 36 years and has led many high-profile storylines, receiving accolades including the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement and the National Television Award for Outstanding Serial Performance in 2025.
BAFTA Award-winning Dani played the 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 and, as well as numerous pantomimes, her stage appearances include playing Janet in the 40th Anniversary tour of cult musical Rocky Horror Show.
Also at the launch were veteran panto dame Sam Rabone, who will be appearing as Madame Bellie Fillop as well as taking on the role of co-director, and Dave Bibby who returns playing Phillipe Fillop, having previously been seen as Buttons in Royal & Derngate’s Cinderella two years ago.
The principal cast will be completed by Georgia Brierley-Smith (Tinkerbell in last year’s Peter Pan) as Belle, Christian Southway as the Beast and Prince Henri, and US actor Sage Spiker making his UK panto debut as Danton.
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.
Holly Gladwell, Royal & Derngate’s Acting CEO, said: “It’s great to have the chance to meet some of this year’s panto cast today. We’ve got a fantastic company lined up for Beauty and the Beast and I can’t wait to welcome everyone back to start rehearsals in November! Christmas is such a wonderful time of year at the theatre, when so many wonderful memories are made and some children get their very first experience of live performance.”
Written by Paul Hendy and co-directed by Emily Wood, Beauty and the Beast promises to be spectacular, top quality entertainment, with lavish sets, hilarious jokes and fun for all the family.
Emily Wood added: “We’re thrilled to have Steve McFadden and Dani Harmer heading up this brilliant cast. 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.“
Beauty and the Beast will run from Friday 4 to Thursday 31 December. For more information and to book tickets, visit 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.
What the press had to say about last year’s pantomime, The All New Adventures of Peter Pan:
★★★★★ “Outstanding… Magical!” What’s Good To Do
★★★★★ “All-round top quality family entertainment” Northants Mag
“A joyous production the whole family will love” Muddy Stilettos
★★★★ “Magical and mesmerising” Theatre and Tonic