Ex-EastEnder John Partridge unveiled as star of Northampton’s Royal & Derngate pantomime

Best known for playing Christian Clarke in the soap, he was announced as playing Prince Charming in Cinderella this week.

He is no stranger to the stage having appeared in many West End roles throughout his career. But this show will mark a first for the actor.

John said: “I have never performed at Northampton but I saw some friends at the weekend, one of whom has just done a touring production at Northampton and said a lot of complimentary words about the theatre.

“I am looking forward to bringing the show to Northampton.”

Appearing alongside John is Sid Sloane as Dandini who has been a presenter on CBeebies for the past 11 years. Danny Posthill, who was a finalist on the recent series of Britain’s Got Talent plays Buttons. A semi finalist in the same series of the talent show, Alison Jiear will be playing the Fairy Godmother.

John added: “I have worked with Alison before and she will be great in the show.

“We have got people from all of the talent shows and it is a really fantastic cast. I can’t wait to perform it.”

Cinderella is staged by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the team behind last year’s smash-hit production of Peter Pan.

Executive producer of Cinderella Jonathan Kiley said: “We are delighted that John will be playing Prince Charming for us this Christmas and joined by Sid, Danny and Alison. With such a fantastic line-up in place Cinderella promises to be another unmissable Royal and Derngate pantomime full of laughs, music and magic.”

Cinderella features stunning scenery, plenty of boos and hisses, incredible music and dancing, plus Pegasus the amazing flying horse - all of which will ensure that audiences will have a ball!

Tickets for the show can be booked by calling the box office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.