Jason Manford all smiles as comedian gets his own seat at Royal and Derngate

The Royal and Derngate theatres has named a seat in honour of comedian and actor Jason Manford.

Jason, who is currently appearing in the musical Curtains, took time out of his busy schedule to see his seat after the matinee performance in Northampton on Wednesday.

He tweeted: "I’ve finally reached a vintage where venues are naming things after me! Couldn’t be happier.

"Thank you Royal & Derngate and the audiences of Northampton for your loving support over the last two decades."

Theatre lovers can name a seat in either the Derngate or Royal auditoria in their own name, for members of their family or in memory of a loved one for £250.

Seat sponsors get a personalised plaque on their chosen seat for 10 years, a commemorative certificate and an acknowledgement in the theatre’s programmes.

After a decade, the plaque joins the theatre’s collection of past seat plaques in a permanent position in the Royal foyer.

Theatre chief executive Jo Gordon said: “Naming a seat can make a really unusual present or provide a lasting memory, at the same time as supporting Royal and Derngate in its work.

"What better way to relaunch our Name a Seat scheme than by sharing the news that we are naming a seat after Jason in recognition of all the brilliant ways he’s brought fun and laughter to Northampton audiences?”

Jason has previously been seen at the venue for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 2016, as well as in his regular stand up shows.

His next stand up tour, Like Me, which goes on sale this week, comes to Royal and Derngate on June 23, 2021.

For more information, contact development co-ordinator Emma Harris on 01604 655760 or [email protected] or visit royalandderngate.co.uk.