Theatre and dance

TV's Mr Tumble, Justin Fletcher, is starring in Sleeping Beauty at The Hexagon as Josh the Jester
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Mr Tumble bumps up panto ticket sales

December 10, 2010

A superstar of children’s TV Justin Fletcher is packing them in at The Hexagon panto with record ticket sales.

The star of CBeebies shows Something Special and Gigglebiz, also known as Mr Tumble, was born in Reading and still lives in Berkshire.

Tickets for the latest panto Sleeping Beauty, in which Mr Fletcher plays Josh the Jester, are selling faster this year than in previous years and the show is expected to be a sell-out.

Spokeswoman for Reading Borough Council Sarah Bishton said: “It does seem that Justin Fletcher is the big attraction this year. There are also a number of other well-known TV stars, but Mr Tumble seems to be the reason for the tickets selling so well.”

The show has been staged for the first time this year by Imagine Theatre and it also stars Jane Tucker from Rainbow and Leah Bracknell from Emmerdale.

Mr Fletcher, 40, who is the only children’s presenter to have won a Bafta, was also made an MBE in 2008. More than 3,500 people petitioned former Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling on him to honour Mr Fletcher.

Sleeping Beauty runs until Sunday, January 2.

Tickets cost £16.50 from the box office on 0118 960 6060 or visit www.readingarts.com.

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Watched the Panto on Saturday. Justin Fletcher makes this show - particularly when sparring with the panto-dame.

Without them, it would be very mediocre!

Fred Bloggs
13/12/2010 at 09:30

"what was his MBE for? Being silly in front of the kids? I think we should know? " what stupid comment, if i were you mate i would not bother to watch any of Justin s shows ,they are way above your intelligence, you ignorant self centered baffoon ,get a life or better still SHUT UP .

STONORBILL, reading
12/12/2010 at 20:09

Hahahahaha - PCWatch does it again!

Fred Bloggs
10/12/2010 at 18:39

On the opening weekend, I took my 3yr old boy to the 1pm show for what was his and my very first Panto. (8 years in the UK and never been to one.) This time it was simply to see Justin. Have to admit the opening 10 seconds was a bit scary for the lad, as the room went dark and a small pyro went off as Jane appeared. He literally wanted to climb through the railings, with his coat and head for the door...that is, until Justin appeared. Various scarier bits for the little ones, as there was smatterings of tears that could be heard throughout the theatre, but it was fine once Justin could be seen. This is the impact he has made on the younger generation. Following the show, we were able to actually meet him, albeit for about 1 minute, but he was very welcoming to my boy and was ok about taking a picture with him. One that will be mounted on my boy's wall.... and my Facebook page for years to come. Justin is a gentleman and scholar, well deserved of any accolades he may receive.

cwr777cwr, Tilehurst
10/12/2010 at 17:06

Justin Fletcher is brilliant. My kids love his programmes and they are educational as well as entertaining.

PC Watch probably will never have kids so can't understand why Justin Fletcher is so popular.

Matthew L
10/12/2010 at 16:24

"what was his MBE for? Being silly in front of the kids? I think we should know?" PCWatch, Reading

Perhaps for entertaining children the nation over as opposed to being a condescending old git with so little life he has to virtually bleat 24-7. Still it keeps you out of the libraries and supermarkets eh? Are you having that captain? I sure am.

S C A R
10/12/2010 at 16:09

@PCWatch Do what you name implies and see the man in action. here's a link to Something Special on iplayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/vjgx9/

and here's Gigglebiz http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/n50fx/

and if you really want, search out Timmy Time (he's one of the voices) and Tweenies (he's two of the voices).

The man is a genius so stop going on and on and on and on and on with your snide comments.

Arthur Mo
10/12/2010 at 15:24

Um, that's a bit rude isn't it. He is the presenter on the Children's show 'Something Special' which involves children with severe learning difficulties/deaf children etc and he works very hard. He also goes around to different schools helping out.

Do your homework and don't be so rude!!!