Northampton connections galore as Deco Theatre finalises its Panto cast

Fern Roach, Mark Jones and Andrzej Mialkowski

The panto will last 1 hour 20 minutes, with no interval: just the right length for a festive family treat but without the traditional break in between because it would make social distance planning tricky

There’s a local feel to ‘Sleeping Beauty’, this year’s Deco Panto, thanks to singer and dancer Fern Roach, dancing specialist Andrzej Mialkowski, BBC Northampton presenter Wayne Bavin, and comedian and entertainer Mark Jones lining up in the cast.

Fern, who was born and bred in the town, has a senior role for the third year running, having previously appeared as a member of the support cast, while Andrezj, an internationally-renowned dancer, is well known in and around Northampton as the owner of the Henry Street-based Step by Step Dance Studio.

Wayne is an afternoon presenter on BBC Radio Northampton since joining the statin in 2018, and though Mark now lives in London, he has a big local connection, having previously lived in Northampton, and being a regular visitor to the town to visit relatives who still live in and around the county.

“We pride ourselves on supporting and encouraging local talent, and we’re very proud of our town, and our county, so we're delighted with so many local connections in this year’s Panto,” said house manager Jill Roach, who is also Fern’s mum.

“Fern has been outstanding in her two panto performances so far, and I’m very proud of her – and she has won her parts on merit, auditioning like everyone else.

“I’m delighted she’s established herself as a Deco Panto regular, along with Chris Wills and Colin Ridgewell, who are also firm favourites with our audiences at The Deco, and back again this year, as is Lydia Lucy, who previously appeared in 2016, and again two years ago.

“Andrzej has a huge personality, and every time we’ve met him we’ve felt he’s a natural for panto, so when he told us he’d love the opportunity, and then put himself up for audition, we were delighted,” said Jill. “And we’re certain we’ve discovered another great local stage talent: he’ll be brilliant.

“Wayne and Mark are two highly experienced panto performers, and great entertainers too, and we’re delighted that they’re making their Deco debuts this year – our audiences will love them, and they’re both really looking forward to being part of our show.”

The Deco Panto runs from December 11 to 24, and tickets are now on sale. For tickets and full details click here.