There’s a special treat for fans of local lad Justin Fletcher this weekend – his latest stage show will be aired on CBeebies.
The actor, pre-schoolers favourite for his role of comic clown Mr Tumble, is appearing in this year’s Hexagon pantomime Dick Whittington, but ahead of his appearance on his home stage, he can be seen in a recorded version of a play he performed in Manchester during the summer.
Shown in two parts, The Tale of Mr Tumble.
The play gives children the chance to see Mr Tumble’s family share some of their fondest memories.
It includes an explanation of how Mr Tumble became the joyful entertainer familiar to so many, following his journey from bouncing baby Tumble (with his bright red nose already in place), through his singing and dancing school years, right up to the present day. It also shows how Mr Tumble got his starry waistcoat, spotty bag and bow tie.
Joining him in the show are favourites such as Grandpa Tumble and new friends such as Tootsie. Also appearing is actor Ronni Ancona who stars as Miss Eerie.
The show features songs new and old and a choir of Makaton signing stars.
It was first performed at Manchester’s Opera House as part of the city’s International Festival in July but on Saturday and Sunday at 9am on CBeebies channel, the show will be aired in two parts.
Mr Fletcher, who lives locally, will star in Dick Whittington at The Hexagon in Reading from Saturday, December 5. For more details, log on to www.readingarts.com
