Louisa Lytton Panto & Xmas Lights

- Stars to shine for festive switch-on

Kettering has unveiled its major plans to attract shoppers to the town centre this Christmas by making the new Market Place the centre of its entertainment activity.
Five TV stars, including Lousia Lytton, who played Ruby in EastEnders and came third in Strictly Come Dancing in 2006, have been booked to switch on the Christmas lights on Saturday, November 28.

The fun starts at 12.30pm with a jazz band and other highlights include a performance by the Masquerade Choir, a dance parade and a puppet show.

It will be the first time the action has been held in the new-look Market Square, which is lit up at night and will provide a colourful platform for the family fun.

And the event is just one of several being lined up to make the most of the new square, including a Tudor fair, jazz music, Morris dancing and the Evening Telegraph's Big Singalong, with youngsters from schools in the area singing carols.

Mum Rachel Barwell, from Kettering, said: "There seems to be quite a few celebrities this year to switch the lights on, although the only person that would really drag me along would be Peter Andre."

Louisa will be the star role in the Peter Pan panto being staged at The Deco in Northampton this year. Joining her in Kettering will be Danny McCall, who played Owen in Brookside for seven years, and Tony O'Callaghan, who has appeared in Doctors and Holby City as well as The Bill for 12 years as Sgt Boyden.

Christina Baily, best known as Dannii in Hollyoaks for two years, will bring some glamour to the event and she will be joined by former Byker Grove star Hazel Pude.

Credit: Nortantset

- Eastenders star Louisa proud to have lead panto role

Former EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing star Louisa Lytton says she is excited and privileged to be taking part in the first pantomime for three years at the Deco Theatre in Northampton.

The 20-year-old actress took part in a walkabout in the town centre on Saturday with her fellow cast members to promote the production of Peter Pan, which will run from December 7 to 31.

After playing the lead role alongside The Fonz Henry Winkler at Milton Keynes last Christmas, Ms Lytton has decided to play the same role in the panto in Northampton organised by Stage Right Productions.

She said: "I played the part of Peter Pan last year at Milton Keynes and I really enjoyed it. I think it is the best children's story there is. It is fun and the people you work with become like a family around Christmas. It's a lovely panto and I feel very privileged to be appearing in The Deco Theatre's first Christmas production for three years."

The part of Captain Hook will be played by Tony O'Callaghan, who is best known as Sgt Matt Boydeon in The Bill. Other stars include former Brookside actor Danny McCall, former Hollyoaks star Christina Baily and Byker Grove actress Hazel Pude.

Stage Right Productions is also searching for local children to play the roles of Wendy, Michael and John. Auditions will be held at the Deco on Saturday, October 3, at 10am. For more information call Northampton 622749.

Credit: Northantset

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