John Garfield Roberts of Ellesmere Port will join Andy Scott Lee in Dick Whittington at the Grange Theatre, Hartford

Dec 9 2010 by Francesca Elliott, Chester Chronicle

John Garfield Roberts of Ellesmere Port will join Andy Scott Lee in Dick Whittington at the Grange Theatre, Hartford

Ellesmere Port actor John Garfield Roberts is taking to the stage this Christmas to strut his stuff in his first ever panto.

John will tread the boards in Dick Whittington at Hartford’s Grange Theatre from December 10 to January 3, alongside X-Factor’s Rowetta, as the evil Queen Rat and Andy Scott-Lee in the title role.

John, 29, will play Captain Fitzwarren, the father of Alice, Dick Whittington’s love interest. “The part is great,” said John. “It has lots of comedy.

“This is my first panto, although I have done more traditional style Christmas shows over the years, so I am really looking forward to it...I secretly want to be a Dame and hopefully my panto Fairy Godmother will hear my cry and make my dream come true!”

John, originally from the Stanney Grange estate, has been acting since the age of 10.

“I originally started off in youth theatres,” said John.

“I was in Action Transport Youth Theatre, Ellesmere Port Light Opera Company and the Chester Gateway Youth Theatre.

“After that I got work as a children’s TV presenter on Sky and parts in The Bill and Hollyoaks, which really helped me move on in the industry.

“I have just returned from doing a show called Bright is the Ring of Words, at the Edinburgh Festival which we’ll do again on a UK tour in the new year.”Š

The cast, who start rehearsing at the end of the month, will perform 38 shows in just over three weeks.

“It will be hard work, said John.

“But I have always loved panto, I am a huge kid at heart and love the laughter and audience participation.

“Dick Whittington is a real family adventure, and hopefully everyone who comes to see it will have the time of their lives.”

For a list of full dates and times, visit www.halleproductions.com, ring 0844 815 7121 or visit www.quaytickets.com.